Billionaire Andrew Forrest's offer to save Force came late - ARU Chief Executive

Australia Rugby Union (ARU) chief executive Bill Pulver stated that billionaire Andrew Forrest’s investment offer to save Western Force franchise came too late.

ARU Chairman Cameron Clyne announced that the move to cancel the license of Western Force was taken due to the board's financial instability to maintain five Super Rugby teams as the competition now becomes a 15-team affair with Cheetahs and Kings joining Pro 14 as well.

Pulver, whose original five-year term was due to end in February next year, has opted against re-appointment and will leave his post with ARU once his replacement is found. He also urged for a for a 'clean slate' in Australian rugby under new leadership.

Speaking to the reporters in Sydney, Pulver added that Forrest's donation which sums up to A$50 million (30.73 million pounds) came too late for the board to reverse the decision.

“I wish he’d been involved in the process perhaps a little earlier, that would have been helpful,” said Pulver.

”We are way down the track having made commitments ... to go to four teams, and having had an EGM where our members voted to go to four teams.

“It’s a little late in the process to be making that sort of change.”