Force world rugby's frequent flyers
The Western Force will remain one of the most travelled teams in the world in the new expanded Super Rugby competition.
Last season they flew 68,000km and they will rack up plenty more frequent flyer points in the new 18-team, four-conference model, with extra flights to Argentina and probably Asia on the agenda.
Force chief executive Mark Sinderberry said the new model was good for the club.
“When all factors were considered this was the best option available for both Australian rugby and the Force,” Sinderberry said. “It has got some exciting possibilities.”
The current Australian and New Zealand conferences remain the same.
South Africa’s Southern Kings, an Argentine side and a franchise that will be put out to tender will be added to the current South African teams and split into two conferences.
The Australian Rugby Union wants the new club to be awarded to a big Asian market to increase the broadcast deal.
“An Asian side is really important for rugby in general, strategically and in the long term,” Sinderberry said.
The Force will play six Australian derbies, all New Zealand teams and the four teams in one South African conference on a home-and-away basis. They will play the other South African conference the following year.
The new model increases regular-season games from 120 to 135 and the finals series from six to eight teams.
All four conference winners will automatically advance to the finals series with the next three highest-ranked teams in the Australasian group and the next best team from the South African group.
The Force have a bye this weekend.
