Fans aid Cummins return
A syndicate of businessmen and Western Force supporters put together a deal to underwrite a salary top-up package that helped bring Wallabies winger Nick Cummins back to the club for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
The Force received no financial aid for Cummins from the Australian Rugby Union, which could reap the rewards of his return as he will qualify for next year's Rugby World Cup.
Force chief executive Mark Sinderberry said the club was flattered by the support.
"We have been humbled by the community support we have received in order to bring Nick back and I'd like to thank the number of individuals directly involved for their generosity in making this possible," Sinderberry said.
"Nick had unique circumstances behind his move to Japan, however it was important that we did what we could to bring him back."
The Force opened talks with the ARU several months before Cummins was released on compassionate grounds to play in Japan.
They asked for help to top up his salary, but were told that Cummins, who was not on the ARU's top pay scale, was also not at the top of its priority list.
In contrast, the ARU is understood to have given Queensland Reds $250,000 to help recruit code-hopper Karmichael Hunt and substantially more to help the Waratahs retain Wallabies full-back Israel Folau.
Shortly before the announcement in June that he was leaving, the ARU tried to offer Cummins marketing funding.
The cult winger had become the face of Australian rugby worldwide through his quirky post-match interviews.
"By that time the horse had bolted," one senior official said.
"It should have been done months before. It was too little, too late."
It is understood Cummins' management also asked the ARU for a get-out clause as it felt he was not getting enough support from the governing body.
Cummins signed a lucrative two-year deal with Japanese club Coca Cola Red Sparks to provide for his family. His father Mark has prostate cancer and two of his siblings have cystic fibrosis.
It will not be known whether Cummins will make the start of the Super season until the Red Sparks' campaign is over.
He said playing for the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham in November had fuelled his desire to return.
"Walking off the field after the match was a surreal experience, knowing I had just played against my country," Cummins said.
"It definitely lit a fire within and had me thinking about what could have been.
"But I heard a bloke say at the end of the Super Rugby season that he hadn't heard no fat lady sing. I'm stoked to be back on the burst. Gonna be a huge year. Can't wait to get amongst it."
Coach Michael Foley said Cummins had a multi-faceted role at the Force.
"While most people are aware of Nick's colourful personality, the character he displays in his performances on the field makes him an integral part of our team," Foley said.
"His ability to lighten the mood is balanced against a fierce determination to win and play for his mates."
"… knowing I had just played against my country. It definitely lit a fire within …"" *Nick Cummins *on playing for the Barbarians
