Super Rugby cull: Force and Rebels made to wait as ARU backs down on timeframe

The uncertainty of Super Rugby looks set to drag on after Western Force chief executive Mark Sinderberry was told there was no exact time frame yet on when his franchise will be given a chance to present its case to the Australian Rugby Union as to why it should not be cut next year.

It comes as Rugby Union Players' Association chief executive Ross Xenos said the delay was having a genuine impact on psychological wellbeing of some players. 

It is unlikely there will be a resolution this week, with the ARU backing down from Monday's prediction of 48 to 72 hours until a resolution will be known in relation to whether the Force or Melbourne Rebels would be chopped from Super Rugby.

"We want it to be resolved as quickly as possible," said ARU chairman Cameron Clyne on Fox Sports on Tuesday evening. "I was ambitious probably in that [timeline] because there is uncertainty and we want to bring it to a close but both teams want their opportunity to bring [forward] their case and we respect that. 

"We still aim to get it done as soon as possible because the uncertainty is unhelpful. There are some people who are not happy with this decision. At some point you've got to make a call. I was hoping to bring it to a head faster but the reality is the teams have stepped in and want more consultation." 

The Western Force will now be given time to prepare a presentation to the ARU, outlining their financial position and a case for why Super Rugby should remain in Western Australia. 

Sinderberry told Fairfax Media that it could be more than a week before they travel to Sydney to present a case to the ARU board.

He said the Force had not been informed by the ARU when exactly that date would be but noted there were logistical issues to iron out given Easter this weekend throws a spanner in the works for those involved. 

• SHARE
• Share on Facebook SHARE
• Share on Twitter TWEET
• Link

"There's no exact time frame," Sinderberry told Fairfax Media. "There's a couple of uncertainties on both sides so we're just waiting to finalise those. It hasn't been resolved.

"There's certainty been a shift from the ARU board to say we're keen to hear your case. 

"We're very passionate people and we understand the ARU's role in all of this too. They've got some challenges that also need to be addressed.

"That [48 to 72-hour timeframe] is certainly what worried us and prompted our action."

Speaking on ABC Radio Perth, Sinderberry said the extra time would help the club present its best case to show why it should remain and not the Rebels.

"It's not good for the competition for this to drag on," Sinderberry said. "It's not good that decisions are made in 48 or 72 hours as was originally suggested. The players would be disappointed if we didn't fight and pursue every opportunity.

"The chairman of the ARU has indicated to us that we've got time, so we'll now have the chance to present our case to the Australian Rugby Union board about why we should stay and how financially we can actually ensure that we are independent."

RUPA boss Xenos said uncertainty amongst the playing ranks had been heightened since it was announced on Sunday one Australian team would be chopped. 

He added that the psychological welfare of players was being monitored even more by his organisation.

"The protracted SANZAAR review has placed players in the unenviable position of not having any clarity over their futures and for the process to now be continuing into round eight of the 2017 competition, it is starting to have a genuine impact on players' psychological wellbeing. 

"We are redirecting our energies and efforts to ensuring the players are best supported through this incredibly challenging time.

"We hope that a final decision is not far away because the ongoing uncertainty has now been heightened by the confirmation one team is being removed from the competition, we just don't know which one." 

Meanwhile, ARU chief executive Bill Pulver will hold a meeting with Rebels executives on Wednesday in Melbourne, with the club's owner Andrew Cox flying home early from a holiday in New Zealand to sort out the club's future. 

Asked whether he had even considered the possibility of preparing to shut down the club, should the ARU swing the axe, Sinderberry replied: "No, I just don't think we can afford to do that. I'm just so committed and to see [captain] Matt Hodgson after the game last week and the way he felt, that's enough and I think whole board feels the same way."