ACT Brumbies recruit Kyle Godwin believes rugby in the Perth can thrive if it avoids the looming Super Rugby axe as speculation grows the Western Force will be chopped from the competition.
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The Force passionately defended its place in Super Rugby on Tuesday after reports emerged the franchise was in danger of being cut if SANZAAR decides to reduce team numbers from 18 to 15.
The competition's uncertain future has cast a shadow over the Force, Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels after all three clubs have been dragged into the off-field saga.
It is hoped a final decision will be made in the coming weeks to give players, fans and communities clarity.
Godwin was born in Zimbabwe but grew up in the Perth rugby ranks before making his debut for the Force in 2012.
The 24-year-old joined the Brumbies at the start of the year, but still has a soft spot for Perth and his former Force teammates.
"I'm very disappointed for the Force after reading the speculation, a lot of them are obviously very close mates of mine," Godwin said.
"To hear they might not have a team next year ... that's hard to take because the Force gave me my opportunity to play Super Rugby and live my dream.
"It's very sad to see and hopefully it's not true. The Force have been competitive and that goes to show that rugby is strong in Western Australia and we're starting to see that filter into Super Rugby."
The Brumbies launched a 'call to arms' with their fans after rumours of a merger with the Rebels and questions about the club's future in Canberra.
The players were spread around the capital and surrounding regions on Tuesday, visiting schools as far away as Wagga and the south coast as part of country visits.
Godwin was in Goulburn and Braidwood, but flew back to Perth on Tuesday night to visit family in the Brumbies' bye week.
The Force has been in Super Rugby for 12 years and Godwin still remembers being a star-struck teenager when the club recruited Wallabies champion Matt Giteau.
"Whatever happens, if an Australian team is cut, then the result will be disappointing," said Wallabies back Godwin.
"Perth is a very AFL-dominated state but the Force have the 'Sea of Blue' fan base and it's a very loyal fan base.
"Obviously the players would be hurt, but the fans have given so much time and dedication to the team. They'll be the ones who are hurt the most."
The ongoing speculation about which Australian team will be cut is hurting the Brumbies, Force and Rebels' brands as they try to build support.
An Australian team will only be cut if two South African teams are exiled, but it is widely believed SANZAAR settled on a preferred 15-team model.
Each country has to negotiate with broadcasters before a decision has been made, but the silence from SANZAAR has left Australian players in limbo.
The ARU has asked Australian clubs to delay contract negotiations with non-Wallabies players until a future format is agreed on.
Any players with existing contracts at the axed club will be spread around to the remaining franchises.
There are more than 20 players in Canberra who don't have contracts beyond the end of the season, and lock Blake Enever conceded they were faced with a difficult decision.
"It is a concern, but you've got to just focus on getting game time and playing well," Enever said.
"I think it's pretty pointless everyone making assumptions ... there might not be much that we can do.
"You want a job at the end of the day and you want to be in Super Rugby because it's the best rugby in the world.
"Hopefully whatever happens in Australia is better for the game, but I hope we remain with five teams. I think that's the best way forward."
