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The ARU Board says they are making the decision to drop either the Rebels or Force “based on the future attractiveness of that market, the sponsors, fan engagement, high performance outcomes, views from a whole range of stakeholders”
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The reason ARU want to can the Force and leave the Rebels is based on cash alone.
The Rebels have the backing of the Victorian Government under a Heads of Agreement ( not a contract, just a promise ) to pay the ARU the sum of $8million in order to host a 2020 Bledisloe Cup match and a future Lions Test.
And for this the Rebels owner will sell back the licence to the ARU for $4.75million.
So the ARU ends up owning a franchise in a reduced pool and dollars in the kick.
So the Force are told, you will cost us too much and the Rebels will give us a profit, so you are IT.
And 8 of the ARU Board bought it.
No wonder Geoff Stook voted against it.