Billionaire Andrew Forrest warned the Australian Rugby Union that "he will be first in line to fight the embattled governing body if it moves to cut Western Force from Super Rugby," according to Ian Ransom of REUTERS. The ARU has "committed to culling" either the Perth-based Force or Melbourne Rebels from the competition as it contracts to 15 teams next season. Both teams have "pledged to fight for their survival, through the courts if necessary." Forrest said, "I want to be very clear to the ARU. You try to cut the Western Force, you have to go through me first, and then all of our players, and then our supporters. ... This is bigger than just a rugby game." Forrest, chair of major iron ore producer Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. and one of Australia's richest men, has already offered interest-free loans of up to A$1,000 ($790) "to fans who have pledged to buy team shares," with the money repaid to Rugby WA rather than the mining billionaire. An ARU spokesperson said that the union "would not respond to Forrest's comments pending an outcome from the arbitration" (
REUTERS, 8/7).
