WACA pitches for interim WA Rugby venue

The Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) has formally submitted a bid to the Western Australian Rugby Union to act as a venue if its bid for inclusion in the Super 14 is successful.

The WACA's CEO, Tony Dodemaide, said that while they understand it is possible that a Super 14 team would be based at the WACA Ground only as an interim measure, they believe that, whatever the hosting period, rugby union would be very successful at the ground due to its capacity, which is agreeable to crowd forecasts, and the intimacy of the venue. He said they also have excellent corporate facilities and are seasoned at staging international events.

Up to this point Subiaco Oval has been tipped as being the interim home venue for WA's Super 14 inclusion, with the multi purpose Members Equity Stadium to become the team's permanent venue once development works are completed.

WACA president Dennis Lillee said they realise that the WACA Ground is under utilised during the winter months and that hosting a Super 14 team offers a perfect opportunity to make the best use of the venue. He added that the WACA is in a great position to be the interim host for a Perth based Super 14 rugby union team.