Wallabies full-back Matt Burke attempts to bust a tackle from flanker George Smith and reserve half-back Chris Whittaker during training at Victoria Barracks in Sydney. Photo by Bill Cunneen, Army newspaper

Protecting the rugby World Cup
ADF to deploy for Op Scrummage

SOLDIERS, sailors and airmen and airwomen will provide support to state and territory police to ensure the 2003 Rugby World Cup is safe and secure.

The only people they will not be able to stop from taking the cup are the players of the 20 teams competing.

Minister for Defence Robert Hill said Defence's contribution to the security planning and preparations would be known as Op Scrummage.

"Personnel may be called on to help with bomb searches of venues. They could also be called out in response to an incident that police and emergency services do not have the capacity to deal with, such as a terrorist attack," he said.

Australia's Tactical Assault Groups, based in Sydney and Perth, IRR based in Sydney and 5 Avn Regt based in Townsville, would standby to assist police as would be necessary.

Defence would also provide four training venues for use by visiting rugby teams on a commercial contractual basis.

"While there is no known specific threat of terrorism against the Rugby World Cup, Defence's counter-terrorism units are well prepared and positioned to assist police with highly trained, well-equipped and capable forces should the need arise."

State and territory police are responsible for on-the-ground security arrangements for the 2003 Rugby World Cup, working with the venue owner-operator and the Australian Rugby Union at each of the 11 match venues in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, the ACT, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

Australian Government agencies were providing advice on potential threats, as well as assistance, where appropriate, under the national counter-terrorism arrangements between the Commonwealth, states and territories.

This model for security coordination was developed for the successful organisation of the Sydney 2000 Olympics and has been adapted to suit other major international events hosted by Australia, such as CHOGM and the Rugby World Cup.

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