10/12/04
Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera today congratulated all Western Australians for their massive support, which had swung the State’s bid for Perth to host a rugby Super 14s team.
Mr Kucera said the decision by Australian Rugby Union (ARU) came as a result of the passion and commitment of Western Australian rugby lovers and was a triumph for community driven sport.
He paid tribute to Rugby WA for its well-planned and professional bid against Melbourne, which until now appeared to have a mortgage on major sporting events.
“The successful bid was a co-ordinated team effort beginning with Rugby WA, extending through the corporate sector with the rugby fans putting the icing on the cake,” the Minister said.
“There is no doubt that the extraordinary support of thousands of family-based rugby fans who rallied at Subiaco Oval - driven by rugby mums Irma Cooper and Jennifer Hoskins - sent a powerful message to the Australian Rugby Union that could not be matched by Melbourne and simply could not be ignored.
“Our bid would not have been successful had we not had the tremendous support of the Western Australian media. Its enthusiasm gave the ARU an insight into how much support the team will receive here.
“If our new team can combine as well on the playing field as those who put this bid together and those who supported the bid, then it will become a formidable combination in a very short time. It really has been a team effort to triumph over Melbourne.
“This was a bid that deserved the strongest support possible from the State Government and from Premier Geoff Gallop down, we were delighted to give that support.
“The long term benefits of hosting this team, both economically and from a sports development perspective, will be significant for WA.
“I feel sure that I can say on behalf of Western Australian sports lovers that the faith the ARU has in our ability to field a strong and viable team will be more than justified over the years.”
Minister's office: 9213 7000
