The Western Force is excited to announce 10 playing dates within the 2019 Global Rapid Rugby Showcase.
The Force kicks off its campaign with a blockbuster home game against the World XV, led by former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, on Friday March 22 at HBF Park.
The team will then feature in separate Asia and Pacific Rapid Rugby series between late March and late June and then, prior to the NRC season kick-off, the Force will play a historic Bledisloe Cup Eve match in Perth.
Six of the 10 games will be played at the home of the Western Force, HBF Park, with the team on the road for away games in Fiji, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Queensland.
Head Coach Tim Sampson is thrilled with the 2019 schedule and anticipates competitive matches throughout.
“We are extremely excited to launch our 2019 season here at home,” Sampson said.
“The Showcase is a great progression from last year. To have the opportunity to not only play in front of our wonderful members and fans here in Perth but also to travel internationally and play games will be a great experience for the playing squad and great preparation for the inaugural home-and-away Rapid Rugby competition in 2020.
“All games this season are going to present a different challenge. We will be taking on teams who play different styles of rugby, so to launch our season against the World XV in front of the Sea of Blue is something we are craving.”
Rapid Rugby’s opening night will be a historic occasion for many reasons, including the fact that the Western Force will become one of just a handful of provincial clubs to play against the star-studded World XV, a travelling team that traditionally only play against national sides.
Robbie Deans will be returning to Perth, having coached against the Force with his Japanese Top League side the Panasonic Wild Knights in last year’s thrilling 95 point World Series Rugby finale.
As always, the Force will be representing Western Australia, with the winners of the Asia and the Pacific series able to access AUD $50,000 in prize money to assist community rugby programs in their local area.
