Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle (left) and Andrew Forrest.

Global Rapid Rugby gets green light

Thursday, 15 November, 2018 - 15:44
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Andrew Forrest’s planned Asia Pacific-focused rugby competition has been given the green light by the World Rugby Council, with further details of the new series unveiled.

The competition, which includes the Western Force, will feature seven international teams to form the rebranded Global Rapid Rugby.

Teams from Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore will compete alongside Japan, Fiji and Samoa.

The competition will be played across a 14-week season, with the top four sides progressing to a sudden-death finals series.

Founder Mr Forrest said the decision was a historic moment for rugby.

“It has not been a simple road,” he said.

“I’d like to thank everyone that has been bold and brave enough to support this brand-new competition.

“Like all sports, rugby needs to evolve.

“The modern sports public is spoilt for choice and demands easily digestible, fast-paced action.”

The new series will also include revised rules aimed at improving the entertainment element of the sport.

The tournament is due to kick off in February. 

A statement issued by World Rugby after its bi-annual full council meeting in Dublin reads: 

“Conditional sanctioning was granted for the Global Rapid Rugby tournament subject to approval from participating unions. The competition aims to further rugby’s spread across the Asia-Pacific area, providing high performance competition for emerging nations.” 

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