”The Western Force” has received mixed reviews from the local community after it was revealed on Tuesday as the name of the new Western Australian Super 14 rugby team.
The name, which supposedly ”best represents a strong, energetic and inclusive rugby team that has a solid connection to the state’s ideals”, according to Rugby Western Australia, has polarised Perth’s sporting fans.
Some feel the typically supportive Western Australian public will back the new state team regardless of their moniker, but others are not so sure.
Andre Rampono, a 31-year-old Western Australian rugby fan who moved to Sydney eight months ago, will support the team, but admits he’s not pleased with their new title.
”I don’t like the name at all,” he said. ”It doesn’t represent anything about the state. The word doesn’t conjure any image that can be associated to the state.
”Force, what is it? It’s non-descriptive. As a fan, there is no pride in saying, ‘I support the Force.’ Any of the current [Super 12] teams have some attachment to their names. What were they thinking?”
Shannon Brisco (30), a New Zealander based in Western Australia, feels the name is ”original” and will be supported by the large ex-pat community.
”I can’t think of anyone else of that name,” he said. ”I think anyone over here that came from back home would definitely support the local team here.
”I would probably go back and support the Highlanders when they arrive, but myself and some mates are looking at possibly getting [Force] season tickets.”
Most pundits admitted they do not expect the Force to be successful initially.
But Francis Hart (41), a long-standing West Coast fan in a state dominated by the Australian Football League (AFL), conceded there is a place for the Force in the west.
”I just think in Western Australia people love sport, so they’ll take this on board,” he said. ”It won’t take over from AFL, but there’s no doubt people will follow it.
”Perth’s got such a huge ex-pat community of Kiwis and South Africans, I’m sure it will have plenty of support.” — Sapa-AAP