Global Rapid Rugby (GRR) is exploring setting up a second franchise in Australia to join the Western Force.
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And head of operations, Matt Hodgson said Newcastle has the perfect opportunity to put its name forward as a potential base when the Force take on a Newcastle invitational side at No.2 Sportground on Saturday.
At present, GRR is comprised of six professional teams - Fijian Latui, Manuma Samoa, Hong Kong's South China Tigers, Malaysia Valke and China Lions..
Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union have been in talks with GRR for more than 12 months. Although in its third season, GRR will hold its inaugural home-and-away season starting next month.
Hodgson said expanding the competition "fits into their portfolio" but there were no concrete plans.
"We haven't narrowed anything right down yet," the former Wallaby said. "We are still working on a number of things in regard to what 2021 looks like and beyond. We have been in conversations with Newcastle for a while now and want to explore the possibility of having a franchise in the region. There is no better way to do that than for them to host a game. We can see what the area is like and what it brings as a rugby product, on the field and off the field. It is definitely an opportunity to showcase the type of event they can put on."
GRR began in 2018 after the Force were squeezed out of Super Rugby.
With rugby facing an uncertain future in the west, mining magnate Andrew Forrest came to the rescue, lending his financial support to develop GRR.
The Force had more than 10,000 members last year, despite not playing in a formal competition.
"The aim is to simplify the game and make it more exciting for fans," Hodgson said. "Less stoppages, less repetition, less boring stuff and more rugby. Rugby tragics love it because the concepts of the game haven't changed and they get to see more of the game. The last two years has shown that in a statistical way. We will continue to build that as we play more football."
The Force-Newcastle clash is the culmination of a festival of rugby, which starts with under-17 girls sevens at 11am. Entry is just $5.
