Rugby Australia has confirmed the Western Force will base themselves on the east coast of Australia for the opening rounds of Super Rugby Pacific.
The move will see the Force swap home games with the Brumbies and Waratahs amid further border controls within Western Australia.
Click here for a full revised Super Rugby Pacific Draw
The Force's opening round home fixture against the Brumbies will now be played in Canberra on Sunday, February 20, with the reverse fixture set for WA in Round 6.
Meanwhile, their round four fixture against the Waratahs will now be played at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, March 13. They will look to host the NSW-based side in Round 9.
“I’d like to thank the Western Force, Brumbies, NSW Waratahs and Reds for their understanding and the spirit of cooperation in which they’ve worked as we’ve progressed through these necessary changes," RA CEO Andy Marinos said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, we are all now well versed in dealing with these kinds of changes as we continue to navigate the uncertainty that surrounds COVID-19. We have managed to find a solution that maintains the integrity of the draw and allows us to proceed with minimal disruptions to the season.
“The Western Force players, staff and their families are making a significant sacrifice and we thank them for that.
“Rugby has faced many challenges of the last couple of years but I am heartened by the spirit and resolve which has been displayed by the entire Rugby community as we’ve worked together to find solutions and positive outcomes for the game during a difficult time.”
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The Force still hold hope of hosting their round three match against the Reds, with the club working with the Western Australian Government to host the game in Perth.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank Phil Thomson of the Brumbies, Paul Doorn of the Waratahs, Matthew Barlow from SANZAR and Ben Whittaker from Rugby Australia for their assistance with reaching such a positive result," Force CEO Tony Lewis added.
“To deliver seven home games for our Members and fans is of the utmost importance for us, so we’ll continue to work hard with the Western Australian government. We want to see all WA rugby fans at HBF Park for what promises to be a massive season.”
Updated Super Rugby Pacific Fixtures:
Round 1 - Brumbies v Western Force, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 2:00pm, Sunday 20 February
Round 3 – Western Force v Queensland Reds, TBC
Round 4 – NSW Waratahs v Western Force, Leichardt Oval, 2:00pm, Sunday 13 March
Round 6 – Western Force v Brumbies, HBF Park, Perth, 7:00pm, Friday 25 March
Round 9 – Western Force v NSW Waratahs, HBF Park, Perth, 5:45pm, Saturday 16 April
*All times are local
