Andrew Forrest's new Global Rapid Rugby venture takes backwards step

Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest’s new venture Global Rapid Rugby has been postponed until 2020.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Forrest made the decision to delay the competition after failing to close deals with two of the six teams.

The competition was set to kick off in March with the Western Force, Hong Kong and Singapore teams understood to be ready, with squads in training for much of the past month. The Fijian side was reportedly on track to make the deadline, while the Malaysian and Samoan side were unable to commit.

A statement from Rapid Rugby said despite the delay it would hold a “showcase series”, taking games on the road “throughout Asia, the Pacific Islands and Australasia”.

“In 2019, fans are going to get a real feel for how the entertainment experience we pioneered in Australia last year will evolve throughout the Asia Pacific. It will form a runway for the launch of an even bigger investment in 2020, once strong broadcasting arrangements are in place,” Forrest said in a statement.

“Making Rapid Rugby a reality has required a considerable amount of courage and determination. That determination, and our vision, has not changed. The strategy required to realise it requires a strong foundation.”

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