'Twiggy' launches World Series Rugby, confirms 2018 Force fixtures

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'Twiggy' launches World Series Rugby, confirms 2018 Force fixtures

Post by Beaussie »

Anyone know more about this? First I’ve heard of it today. Sounds like Super League in Rugby?

Will it... can it work? 10 point tries and drop goals with a higher value based on how far an attempt is made sounds interesting.

Western Force fans at least will be happy to see their team return to the field.
'Twiggy' launches World Series Rugby, confirms 2018 Force fixtures
By Tom Decent6 March 2018 — 5:04pm

Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest has come good on his promise to keep the Western Force afloat by confirming seven fixtures in 2018 that will form part of what is now being dubbed 'World Series Rugby'.

As reported by Fairfax Media last month, the Force will play a series of matches from May to August in the lead-up to this year’s National Rugby Championship, where the axed Super Rugby franchise will replace the Perth Spirit.

First up are outings against Fiji (May 4) and Tonga (May 13) before a highly anticipated game against the Melbourne Rebels on the same day the Wallabies play Ireland in the first Test of 2018 in Brisbane.
“The Rebels will be a fantastic game because most of the great players in the Rebels are from the Western Force and that’ll be a game of camaraderie and action,” Forrest said.

The other big drawcard is a clash with reigning Super Rugby champions the Crusaders, who will travel to Perth for a Friday night match during the international window on June 22.

“We feel it’s a whole new day in the sporting history of Australia,” Forrest said. “What happened last year has just made us stronger, emboldened us and allowed us to put together a really fantastic team, a fantastic schedule and one we’re calling World Series Rugby.

“We have serious ambitions for this great team and for rugby in our region and intend to see these ambitions through, starting today.”

On Tuesday, Forrest confirmed a 26-man Force squad featuring the likes of former Springbok Jaque Fourie, Rod 'Rocket' Davies, Brumbies second-rower Leon Power, as well as Force representatives Ian Prior, Peter Grant and Marcel Brache.

The Western Force’s head of elite performance Matt Hodgson, also a former captain of the club, was a key figure in hand-picking the roster.

“A lot of the boys have been training for the last month but 20 of them turned up on Thursday and have gone through some gruelling training sessions and are coming together nicely,” Hodgson said. "Playing teams all around the world is pretty exciting."



Discussions are also underway to have games televised on free-to-air television. Forrest said nothing had been confirmed but was positive about the chance of that happening either this year or next.
It is understood Rugby Australia has still not signed off Forrest's proposed competition, which is scheduled to begin next year.

Another idea that has been floated is the introduction of 10-point tries, drop-goals with more value depending on how far an attempt is from and time restrictions on scrums.

Former Wallabies captain Michael Lynagh is a consultant for the rebranded World Series Rugby and said it was time the code thought outside the box to help create a more entertaining product.

“What that [10-point try] does is create opportunities for teams to have a go from their own 22 which creates a lot more open space,” Lynagh said. “It’s going to make these guys run a lot more.
“Something has to happen, doesn’t it? And this is a part of it. If we have to change the game a little bit to make it more satisfying for the people to come and pay their money to watch these guys play, let’s do that.”

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-unio ... 4z32p.html
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Re: 'Twiggy' launches World Series Rugby, confirms 2018 Force fixtures

Post by leeroy*NRL* »

few big problems with this COMP


(scheduling) teams will have 2nd string line ups>> as internationals will be on>>

another big thing is Rugby strongholds NSW AND QLD will have no teams>

I give them almost no chance of being on FTA TV>> not with the only 2 Australian sides being Force & Rebels.

I think more will come of it, being early days..
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