Originally Posted by
Hansie
There is a heap going on and as an example see this e-mail below sent to our warriors today.
Dear Western Force Players,
I am sure you are being kept updated by Sinders and RWA in relation to the Appeal due to be heard next Wednesday 23 August. If the appeal is upheld then the Western Force will be retained.
I have been asked to send a personal message to you on behalf of Andrew Forrest. He has your back. He stands behind what he said on the field after the fabulous victory against the Waratahs. He will do whatever it takes to ensure the Western Force remain in the Super Rugby competition.
Today Andrew has sent a letter to the ARU Board offering his full support to the Western Force, RugbyWA and rugby in general: “Win or lose the appeal, my support for the Western Force will not waiver and action to overturn your irresponsible decision will continue”. Andrew has called on the ARU management to meet with him to discuss overturning the decision to exterminate the Western Force and to “assist” them in making the right decision. If the ARU will not meet with him Andrew, he has called for the entire Board to resign and be replaced with leaders who are willing to act in the best interests of Australian rugby.
Andrew also asked me to pass on in person to each and every ARU Director and the Chairman of NSW and QLD and ACT a simple message in addition to his letter: “I do not bluff. I never have. I never will. I will never give up”.
As a former player I understand the current uncertainty around your future will be difficult. I am confident we will be successful in changing this decision. What will assist is your representative body, RUPA, coming out strongly alongside Andrew and RugbyWA. If ever there was a time for a players association to be relevant it is when 20% of its membership are lined up and shot without due process and without just cause. Please send a clear message through your representatives and directly to RUPA that you expect them to come out strongly and publicly in support of retention of the Western Force. There is no justifiable reason for the need to cut a team. Australian rugby can survive and thrive with 5 Super Rugby teams and that is the obvious solution regardless of the Appeal outcome. RUPA is in a strong position to be relevant in making the ARU change their decision.
Andrew is fighting for you. I am fighting for you. Former RugbyWA Chairman and former ARU Director Geoff Stooke is fighting for you. RugbyWA is fighting for you. You, the players, need to get RUPA to fight for you.
Be One. Be Strong.
Go the Wallabies!
Regards
John Welborn