ARU decides to cut Western Force team from Super Rugby

The Australian Rugby Union has decided to cut the Perth‑based Western Force team from Super Rugby.

A statement released last night said the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has today resolved to discontinue the Western Force Super Rugby licence.

It says the decision comes after several weeks of consultation with rugby bodies and stakeholders, including government and commercial partners.

Western Force agreed to enter arbitration last week with the ARU, who said in April that they would cut either the Force or the Melbourne Rebels from Super Rugby next season as the competition contracts from 18 to 15 teams.

The Kings and Cheetahs teams in South Africa have already been cut from the competition.

The ARU said the decision to "discontinue the Force's licence" was based primarily on financial outcomes.