Matt Dunning is tenth on the list of the most capped Australian Super Rugby players © Getty Images

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Teams: Australia | Force | Melbourne Rebels | Rebels

The Western Force may have to find alternative transport to Melbourne for their clash against the Rebels on Friday following disruptions to flights in Perth.

As a result of the Chilean volcano plume, flights are being cancelled in Western Australia due to risks over the ash affecting the plane's engines. One option being investigated is a train to Adelaide and then take a flight from there. However, it would take the Force a day-and-a-half to get to Adelaide so there is a chance Friday's clash against the Rebels would have to be postponed. Another option which is being investigated is potentially linking up with the AFL as Perth's Fremantle also need to head to Melbourne to face the Demons on Sunday.

If trains are the eventual option for the Force, head coach Richard Graham is looking forward to getting back into the old school touring mentality. ''We're determined to take the train if we have to because we want to play this game," said Graham, talking to the Sydney Morning Herald. "We will get on the train, have a few beers.... this will be old-school rugby."

Following the news that star back James O'Connor will leave the franchise, the Force were dealt another blow on Wednesday as it seems Wallaby prop Matt Dunning is on the verge of joining French Top 14 Orange side Biarritz on a two-year deal.

The tight-head, who has 45 caps for the national side, is hoping to secure an early release from his contract. However, if selected for the Wallabies squad, he would gladly answer Robbie Deans' call. "Obviously if I was needed by my country, I'd return from France straight away," Dunning told The Australian. This prospect seems unlikely as Dunning has not appeared for the Wallabies since 2009.