The billionaire owner of the Western Force has agreed to back his club's return to a Super Rugby competition in a move that increases the likelihood of a revamped Australian competition kicking off on July 3. It's unlikely the Japan-based Sunwolves will join the Australian competition because of border closures and quarantine regulations, although negotiations are ongoing. The Force were cut from Super Rugby in 2017 during a cost-cutting overhaul in Australia, and Forrest had planned to launch an Asia-wide Global Rapid Rugby tournament this year featuring his team. But with that league shelved, Forrest agreed to a short-term deal with Rugby Australia while also maintaining his push for reform. MLennan, set to become Rugby Australia chairman, described the Force's return as a ``great story.''

Source: The Standard May 27, 2020 06:44 UTC