The Western Force have received a major boost, cleared to play their round three match against the Queensland Reds in front of home fans at HBF Park.
The Force were forced to move east for the opening rounds of the Super Rugby Pacific season as a result of border controls.
This saw a number of home games swapped for the first six rounds of the competition, however, the round three clash remained TBC as they worked through their options.
The club confirmed on Wednesday they have been cleared to return home after working with the Western Australian Department of Sport and Health, as well as the Western Australian Police.
“This is a massive moment for our loyal Members who have waited patiently for this news,” CEO Tony Lewis said in a statement.
“I’d like to thank David Templeman the Minister for Culture and the Arts; Sport and Recreation and his team for their willingness to listen and work towards a fantastic outcome for WA.
“We are so excited to bring live sport back to town in what promises to be another blockbuster clash in our growing rivalry with the Reds.
“I urge all sports fans in WA to get behind the Force and enjoy world class rugby and entertainment in the flesh once again.”
The club will be looking to replicate their heroics from last season, claiming a 30-27 win over the eventual Super Rugby AU champions to secure their first finals appearance in club history.
The announcement comes after RA CEO Andy Marinos revealed on Monday they were in talks to adopt a fly-in, fly-out model throughout the competition to ensure the Force could host games in WA.
“It is very dynamic and there’s always going to be susceptible to further change but we now know we have a fly-in fly-out model that can be used in Perth,” he said on Monday.
“Whilst they will base themselves here (in the eastern states), we’re working through the details of them being able to fly in through a bubble and play some games before continuing and carrying on.
“It’s made some progress but now we just have to monitor it now on a weekly basis.
"It’ll either be played on the east coast or whether that fly-in fly-out model for the guys under a bubble environment, we just need to work through details."
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