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Could make life interesting
Global Rapid Rugby to find strength from unsuccessful Pacific Islands Super Rugby bid
Nick Taylor The West Australian
Friday, 7 December 2018 9:15AM
Western Force can expect to face powerful Pacific Island sides in next year's Global Rapid Rugby competition after an ambitious attempt to set up a combined islands Super Rugby team failed.
A joint bid from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to SR governing body SANZAAR fell over after required funding of about $11 million could not be found.
The move means players not already signed to SR or overseas clubs are likely to view GRR as an option.
Sides from Fiji and Samoa will play in the $1 million competition, bankrolled by WA mining magnate Andrew Forrest, while an announcement on a Hawaii-based team with a strong Tonga player base is said to be imminent.
The Japan Rugby Union council meets next week when a decision will be made on which of their teams will join.
Sides from Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia - understood to be backed by South African Currie Cup division one club Falcons - will make up the eight-team tournament.
More here
https://thewest.com.au/sport/rugby-u...ng-b881043560z