Western Force Backer Alleges ARU Conspiracy

Andrew Forrest has issued a scathing statement today, accusing the Australian Rugby Union of a “charade” and misleading the public in relation to the recently-announced Axing of the Western Force from Super Rugby.

Forrest has called for the resignation of Cameron Clyne, claiming that the ARU Chairman lied to the public about his reasons for culling the Force from Super Rugby.

WATCH: Andrew Forrest’s Full Statement Below: 

Mr Andrew Forrest AO made a statement to the media this morning in regards to his current stance on the Australian Super Rugby situation. pic.twitter.com/nuYmr7YM8m

— Western Force (@westernforce) August 30, 2017

Forrest, a staunch supporter of the Force and a recent recruit to the organisation, said that he only stepped in to what has been a long-running saga when he “became suspicious that a just decision based on merit was not going to be made”. The staunch advocate for rugby in Western Australia went on to suggest that the ARU had decided as early as February 2017 to cut the Force based on legal advice that made this the easier option.

“[The document] shows clearly that in late February this year, the advice was received and taken to cut the Western Force for no other reason apart from legal advice”. – Andrew Forrest

This assertion is contrary to previous statements on the matter from the ARU, which have aimed to instill the belief that the cutting of the Force in favour of the Melbourne Rebels franchise was made entirely on merit and for sound commercial reasons.

The ARU issued a statement this afternoon in response to the allegations made by Forrest. Of particular note was the abject denial of the existence of any document containing the information at the heart of Forrest’s claims:

“Andrew, in his press conference this morning, referred to a document or documents which indicated that a decision had been made to remove the Western Force in February. This was not the case and there are no documents which contain this information.” – Cameron Clyne

Whether accurate or not, the claims and statements made by Andrew Forrest and the Western Force further highlight the uphill battles ahead for the ARU as it attempts to claw back credibility and support from a diminishing fan base.

ARU statement in response to Andrew Forrest today. pic.twitter.com/JroyD5ZRYC

— Beth Newman (@bethknewman) August 30, 2017

Updates to Come…