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Emirates Western Force members and supporters can expect some enthralling clashes on home soil in 2011 with the reigning champion Bulls and perennial contenders, the Crusaders, both scheduled to play at Perth Oval in a season that will deliver more rugby than ever to Western Australia.
The release of the 2011 fixtures coincided with the launch of the new ‘Super Rugby’ competition which will see an extended season played from February to July and all teams playing a minimum of 16 games, up from the current 13. A conference system for each country has also been introduced with derby matches played on a home and away basis.
Saturday night will be rugby night in Perth with the Emirates Western Force playing all eight of their home matches at that time, starting with clash against the Sharks on 5 March 2011. The club will kick off their season a fortnight earlier against the Reds in Brisbane with a bye schedule in week two.
While the season will be longer the international travel burden has been eased with just two games in succession on the road in both New Zealand and South Africa. There will also be back to back home games on three occasions (week 3 & 4, week 7 & 8, week 10 & 11) allowing some respite for the squad.
“Super rugby teams are used to travel but with the introduction of the conference system it means sides will play within their home country more often,” said Emirates Western Force Head Coach Richard Graham.
“It also means our squad will only be away for about 10 days on an international tour rather than the traditional 18 or 19 days when playing three games away, that will certainly have its benefits.
“It’s wonderful to have more rugby and the season going for an extended period. It is really what I think the rugby public wants to see.
“The support from the club’s ‘sea of blue’ is hugely appreciated by the group, we love playing at Perth Oval and are really looking forward to that first game at home against the Sharks,” Graham said.
The news is just as exciting for Emirates Western Force members who’ll be treated to additional matches without an increase in price.
Membership prices will remain at last season’s rates, giving members better value than ever before.
Adults can enjoy all eight games from as little as $21.25 per match, while a family of four can come along for an incredible $12.80 per person per game.
RugbyWA CEO Vern Reid said the decision to freeze pricing was a reward to the club’s loyal members while it would also give West Australian’s a great incentive to become involved in a new era at the Emirates Western Force.
“We’ve made a conscious decision to leave membership prices where they are, that means our members will be rewarded with two additional games for free next year. You can’t ask for better value than that,” said Mr Reid.
“Next season across the board it will be cheaper to be a member than coming to games as a casual observer. With seats available in all categories there is significant value and opportunity to be involved in the all new Super Rugby competition and a very exciting time at the Emirates Western Force.”
The fixtures have produced plenty of mouthwatering match-ups including a meeting against former coach John Mitchell and the Lions in Johannesburg, while new Emirates Western Force playmaker Willie Ripia will tackle his old side on familiar territory in Wellington.
Under the new format a club will play each team in their conference twice and four of the five teams from each of the other nations. In 2011 the Emirates Western Force will not play the Chiefs (New Zealand) or the Cheetahs (South Africa).
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Originally Posted by WF1964
