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New Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver has allayed fears that the future of the Western Force is under threat after under- performing since formation.
Pulver also said the re-establishment of a senior academy in Perth and a third-tier competition sitting between club and Super Rugby was at the top of his agenda.
"No chance in the world that there will not be a Western Force," he said.
"We are 150 per cent committed to the franchises that we have. The future development of rugby, unquestionably in my mind, will involve the Perth team.
"The five franchises are non- negotiable. I don't think I can make that any clearer. It is crystal clear in my mind there will always be five franchises.
"I'm hoping it's going to be a great year for the Force. There is a buzz about the team.
"It is always interesting the way great teams are formed. Team is a really important word.
"It's not a bunch of superstars and there are so many examples of how, with the right coach and the right team, you can do incredible things."
Pulver was in Perth for the first time since assuming the chief executive role earlier this month.
He said the decision by his predecessor John O'Neill to scrap individual Super club academies for centralised groups in Sydney and Brisbane was the hottest issue he had dealt with during a visit to the five franchises.
"I've had enormous feedback on it. I can tell you quite confidently that the academy issue and third-tier competition will be right at the top of my list to discuss with the (ARU) board on Monday," he said.
"Last year we had five franchises in Australia that finished sixth, seventh, 11th, 12th and 14th, and frankly that's not good enough.
"I want Super teams to be phenomenally successful enterprises. New Zealand and South Africa have third-tier competitions that develop players and have them battle ready to play Super Rugby.
"I believe that is a missing link in our pathway. To jump from club rugby to Super 15 is a bridge too far.
"Even in Sydney and Brisbane the difference from club rugby to Super rugby is a massive contrast."
Pulver believed the third-tier competition could be "owned" and played out between Super franchise A sides.
"One of the main things I'm concerned about is helping our Super franchises be more competitive, but you need a financial model that facilitates that third tier with the least pain," he said.
"One of the realities in Australian rugby is that we are not flush with funds. I want to make an affordable and constructive step into a third-tier competition."
Pulver said the Force facilities were the best of all Australia's franchises. "The RugbyWA facility is mind-blowing. This is the best rugby facility I've seen in the country," he said.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...cks-the-force/
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to ..........."
He's talking the talk at least... There is still a lot of the old guard there in the corridors though
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Last edited by jono; 14-02-13 at 10:27.
I feel confident that RugbyWA's new CEO will make him walk the walk as well as talk the talk!
Proudly Western Australian; Proudly supporting Western Australian rugby
Probably the most positive things said about the Force from the ARU HQ since they awarded us the franchise over Melbourne![]()
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Good on ya Pulver!
Obviously trying to put off any would be collar bombers from the West!
Nice to hear someone with a bit of clout talking us up for once!
Great game, Fucken battled right through to the 80!
He seems to favour the same 3rd tier model as some of us have talked about. Second XV or A Team based. At least to begin with. Seems a no brainer to me. As many have said, it's almost impossible to 'manufacture' our own NPC/Currie Cup. They have developed over a century built on strong tradional support structures. One of the failings of the ARC was the cobbling together of teams in Sydney and Brisbane. Traditional Rugby supporters did not relate to them.
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"I'm hoping it's going to be a great year for the Force. There is a buzz about the team.
"It is always interesting the way great teams are formed. Team is a really important word."It's not a bunch of superstars and there are so many examples of how, with the right coach and the right team, you can do incredible things."
We haven't got any stars but the makings of a good team.. the rabble have the superstars but a crap team
I hope he is good to his word. However, how many times have you heard that "Jack has the full backing of the management team" only to see him sacked next week.
Call me cynical.
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what happened to one percenters![]()
The long sobs of autumn's violins wound my heart with a monotonous languor