The Western Force have confirmed that they have yet to receive a formal invitation to participate in Rugby Australia’s revised Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

Rugby Australia released on Monday a return-to-play strategy with the aim of restarting a domestic Super Rugby tournament, mooted to feature both the Force and Japan’s Sunwolves alongside the four regular Australian Super Rugby franchises.

The Perth-based Force were axed from Super Rugby after being considered surplus to requirements in 2017. Since then, the franchise has been involved in the Global Rapid Rugby and National Rugby Championship tournaments.

Global Rapid Rugby chief executive Mark Evans issued a statement on behalf of the Force which cooled talk that they could return to the competition.

‘The Western Force has not to date received a formal invitation to participate in the proposed 2020 Australian domestic competition,’ Evans said.

‘There may be some interest on our part, but to suggest the Western Force has agreed to participate is inaccurate.

‘Until an invitation, complete with full competition details and arrangements is forthcoming and has been agreed to, the Force will continue to review a range of playing options for the remainder of 2020 and beyond.’

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