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Nick Taylor
Tuesday, 8 August 2017 9:15AM
Premier Mark McGowan has joined billionaire Andrew Forrest in vowing to fight the Australian Rugby Union to the bitter end to save Western Force from Super Rugby extinction.
The battle lines have been clearly drawn with McGowan, mining magnate Forrest and RugbyWA chairman Tony Howarth warning the ARU: "We will never give up this fight."
The ARU wants to axe either the Force or Melbourne Rebels, now owned by the Victorian Rugby Union, from next year's competition.
The governing body has already been sent a clear threat by Forrest: “You try to cut the Western Force, you have to go through me."
He called chairman Cameron Clyne to enforce his warning.
Now, with a decision from arbitration between the Force and the ARU expected in the next few days the ARU has been told by the three powerbrokers:
"Rugby in Western Australia is thriving. It's time to make the right call for Australian rugby.
"Make the right call. Let's get on with the game."
In an open letter to the ARU board they say: "We are proud Western Australians and we stand behind the Western Force.
More here
https://thewest.com.au/sport/rugby-u...-ng-b88560997z