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Perth junior Kyle Godwin fears axing the Western Force will have a crippling impact on rugby union, describing the decision as "a kick in the face" for the state's pathway systems.
Injured Wallaby Godwin was with close mate and Force back-rower Angus Cottrell on Friday when the ARU exiled the Perth-based franchise from Super Rugby on Friday.
The news hit hard for Godwin, who started his career as a teenager in Perth before leaving the Force at the end of last year to link with the ACT Brumbies.
Force players have been left in the dark about their futures, with the ARU saying it will honour existing contracts but not detailing if it will increase squad sizes or salary caps.
Godwin, who made his Force debut as a 19-year-old in 2012, hoped the decision would not kill rugby in Western Australia.
"I was very sad and disappointed when I heard the news. The Force have a huge part of my heart, so to see this happen, it was just a sad day," Godwin said.