The Western Force is back. A team of homegrown and international elite talent will return Western Australia to the rugby field in just 59 days.
Launched today by Andrew Forrest AO, the seven match World Series Rugby (WSR) will introduce fans to an exciting new game of rugby in 2018, trialling new initiatives designed to make the game super spectator and player friendly, before evolving into a fully-fledged international competition for the Asia Pacific region in 2019 and beyond.
“We have rebuilt the Western Force as we develop our tournament and we now have a wholly integrated community and high-performance club as the foundation of the future competition,” Forrest said.
“We have serious ambitions for this great team and for rugby in our region and intend to see these ambitions through, starting today with the launch of World Series Rugby.
“We have already begun reinforcing grassroots rugby across Western Australia with a fun new RugbyRoos program encouraging kids aged 4 to 12 to take up this great game. Our new and dynamic series will continue this great work, bringing in a whole new support base for the game, inspiring young players and attracting important corporate interest.
“The focus for 2018 is to reintroduce and reinforce professional rugby in Western Australia for the benefits of our grassroots community, our players and our fans,” Mr Forrest continued.
“In 2019 the WSR will evolve into a high-calibre, international competition with the goal of making rugby the community-building sport of Asia.”
For the Force players, their future has been secured. Seven challenging home game matches have been announced and for the Sea of Blue, Western Force’s loyal fanbase, 2018 will deliver rugby unlike anything seen before.
WSR will be accessible for new fans and existing loyal fans alike. It will be affordable, fast and highly entertaining both on and off the field each game day.
It comes as a new look for the Force is unveiled with a fresh logo designed to reflect the club’s strength and courage.
“The Force fans have been such a crucial factor in the club’s, and ultimately the sport’s, future in WA,” Western Force chief executive Nick Marvin said.
“We want to show our gratitude by bringing them matches which will entertain, inspire and leave them on the edge of their seats.
“The best way West Australians can continue to show their support for the Western Force is to wear blue, get down to the seven home games and get behind their team.”
