Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest is set to pour millions of dollars into the Western Force if the Perth-based franchise survives the axe.
Western Force are on tenterhooks awaiting word of their future. Photo: Supplied
Rugby Western Australia and the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) have started arbitration in Sydney, with the fate of the Western Force hanging in the balance.
If the ARU win the arbitration hearing, they will axe the Force from the Super Rugby competition.
If the Force win, the ARU will have no other choice but to try to axe the Melbourne Rebels, or negotiate a merger between two Australian franchises.
Australian mining billionaire Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest (file photo - 2012) Photo: AFP
Forrest, who is valued at $4.8 billion, has pledged to do whatever it takes to save the Force.
The 55-year-old West Australian has renewed calls for the ARU to help facilitate a Brumbies takeover of the Rebels.
He is also open to the idea of the Force merging with the Rebels.
Forrest is offering people interest-free loans to buy shares in the Force with the money paid back to Rugby WA - potentially pumping millions of extra dollars into the franchise.
