Western Force 2022

[The_Brown_Hornet]

So 4 locals went east after the Force were cut? Force are obviously getting more traction in the juniors, but they are still massively dependant on importing players both internationally and from NSW/QLD.

Those are the ones I can remember, but there were probably others. Dunno.

 

[Gillys_ghost]

I dunno if they are WA born and bred products, but Richard Hardwick, Angus Cottrell, both Haylett-Pettys, Kyle Godwin, Billy Meakes, and Matt Philip etc all play their entire super rugby with the force, and with the exception of Meakes can probably all claim to have come through the Forces development squad. Jermaine Ainsley might still be in Australian Rugby if we didn't kill the force for no reason. Then Tizzano, Fines Pasitoa, Hoskins are all WA products as well. Seems like they are doing OK for production and certainly for developing talent that the other states didn't sign.

 

[TSR]

Force fans would have to be pretty happy with the form of Fines-Leleiwasa & Kuenzle in the trial yesterday I assume? Pasitoa pretty good too. If they can build on that they have the makings of a very productive inside back combination.

 

[Slim 293]

Jimmyjam finally got bored of trolling Brumbies threads…

 

[Jimmyjam]

Jimmyjam finally got bored of trolling Brumbies threads…

Trolling how mate? It's a rugby discussion site. Discussing realities that make you personally uncomfortable does not constitute trolling. If I've made any factual errors then please let me know and I'll edit or delete. Otherwise you could seek a safe space elsewhere, where no-one challenges or disagrees with you. Unfortunately for you that's why most of us are here, to agree, disagree and otherwise discuss the game we all love warts and all.

 

[chiraag]

Think you could probably add Ryan Louwrens, Anaru Rangi, Kane Koteka, Michael Ruru, Chance Peni, Luke Burton, Harry Scoble, Curtis Rona, Semisi Masirewa, James Verity-Amm and Michael McDonald to that list of local(ish) players that were lost to the east, league or elsewhere after the cut. (That list is somewhat generous though).

 

[swingpass]

the reality, as some one said above, is that most of the Force, Rebels and Brumbies players will come from NSW and Qld for the foreseeable future. each franchise is slowly building their playing ranks from local product, of late the Force have probably put more in than the Rebels, but in Super Rugby at the present the local Vics ie those who played junior rugby, include, Uelese, Leota, Pone F, Pete Samu, Hunter Paisami, Glen Vaihu, Rob Valetini, Trevor Hosea, Tetera Faulkener, and there may be others i dont know of. i think Chiraag's list is a bit disingenuous to include a South African under age rep, a couple of New Zealnders and one person twice !

edit Oh and someone playing for Scotland !

 

[ForceFan]

So 4 locals went east after the Force were cut? Force are obviously getting more traction in the juniors, but they are still massively dependant on importing players both internationally and from NSW/QLD.

When the Western Force were cut after the 2017 season:
a) There were 6 local players who moved elsewhere: Burton, Hardwick, 2 x Haylett-Petty, Louwrens, Peni.
b) There were 13 players who had earned their first Super Rugby cap with the Western Force: Ainsley, Cottrell, Cowan, Faulkner, Havili, Newsome, Philip, Rangi, Ruru, Rona, Short, Verity-Amm, Vui.
c) There were numerous players lost from Perth club rugby and the WF Academy who moved East as there was no longer a pathway to Super Rugby.
d) Carlo Tizzano & Michael McDonald were recruited by Waratahs after representing WA in U20s (both from WF Academy) and both lured by chance to play Super Rugby.

Currently 8 of the 2022 squad are players developed in WA (Pugh, Callan, Koteka, McDonald, Pasitoa, Godwin, Makara, Lacey) as well as 4 players in the WF Academy (Amone, Masibaka, Callan, Seve).

Agreed, that the WF is currently dependent upon players from elsewhere but with Tattarang's backing (including $$ support for RugbyWA) Rugby Union is being rebuilt from the grassroots after being decimated by the sacking of the WF in 2017.

 

[Mr Pilfer]

When the Western Force were cut after the 2017 season:
a) There were 6 local players who moved elsewhere: Burton, Hardwick, 2 x Haylett-Petty, Louwrens, Peni.
b) There were 13 players who had earned their first Super Rugby cap with the Western Force: Ainsley, Cottrell, Cowan, Faulkner, Havili, Newsome, Philip, Rangi, Ruru, Rona, Short, Verity-Amm, Vui.
c) There were numerous players lost from Perth club rugby and the WF Academy who moved East as there was no longer a pathway to Super Rugby.
d) Carlo Tizzano & Michael McDonald were recruited by Waratahs after representing WA in U20s (both from WF Academy) and both lured by chance to play Super Rugby.

Currently 8 of the 2022 squad are players developed in WA (Pugh, Callan, Koteka, McDonald, Pasitoa, Godwin, Makara, Lacey) as well as 4 players in the WF Academy (Amone, Masibaka, Callan, Seve).

Agreed, that the WF is currently dependent upon players from elsewhere but with Tattarang's backing (including $$ support for RugbyWA) Rugby Union is being rebuilt from the grassroots after being decimated by the sacking of the WF in 2017.

Thanks. Yes I guess this was my point. We now have players choosing Union over League in WA (e.g. Callan's swapped from League) whereas previously it was the other way around, e.g. Rona and Peni both went to League because no Western Force and we eventually got them back

 

[Rebel man]

It’s not an issue that the Rebs or Force take blokes from NSW and Qld as it provides opportunities for those who otherwise wouldn’t have got it. But it is also promising to see both clubs adding to the talent pool and the depth of Australian rugby.

The South African born Perth kid who went top ten in the AFL draft highlights the importance of the Force, as for the good of Australian rugby we need them to be strong and we need them to succeed so you see top end juniors pick a career in rugby

 

[Drew]

Having the WF back in the fold also gives players like Robbo in the mix for the Wobs, keeping them in game time to show their worth, instead of going to France/Japan/etc…

 

[Adam84]

Harvey Beef(also owned by Twiggy Forrest) to continue as the principal sponsor of the Mens and Womens team in 2022

 

[Tazzmania]

Huge news for us Perth based Force fans:

Round Three Game v Reds confirmed at home:

The Western Force is thrilled to confirm that the Round 3 clash with the Queensland Reds will be played live in Perth at HBF Park on Friday, 4 March.

Having worked closely with the Western Australian Department of Sport and Department of Health, as well as the Western Australian police and Rugby Australia in recent weeks, the club is delighted to secure a first home match of the season for Members and fans.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster from 9am on Monday, 21 February
Chief executive officer Tony Lewis was quick to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved in discussions.

“This is a massive moment for our loyal Members who have waited patiently for this news,” Lewis explained. “I’d like to thank David Templeman the Minister for Culture and the Arts; Sport and Recreation and his team for their willingness to listen and work towards a fantastic outcome for WA. “We are so excited to bring live sport back to town in what promises to be another blockbuster clash in our growing rivalry with the Reds.

“I urge all sports fans in WA to get behind the Force and enjoy world class rugby and entertainment in the flesh once again.”

Following last year’s epic encounter with the Reds, which saw the Force claim a thrilling 30-27 win to secure a finals berth in front of a packed HBF Park crowd, the stage is now set for another memorable blockbuster.

Super Rugby Pacific Round 3 Western Force vs Queensland Reds Friday, March 4 7:00pm kick-off HBF Park

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Right, membership for me then.

 

[Tazzmania]

Maybe part of the the opening entertainment can be a David Templeman applicable rendition of Hullelujah ......

David Templeman at close of parliament in 2020

If you havent seen its worth a watch ....

 

[ForceFan]

From what I hear, although it's a Home game for the Western Force, they'll be flying in with the Reds immed before the match, will be staying in an isolation bubble and returning East with the Reds immediately after the match.
No contact with family and friends permitted.
Thankyou WA govt and efforts by both teams for the hard work to facilitate this season opener for the Sea of Blue.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I'm glad to see some commonsense prevail, especially if we're (allegedly) already on the pathway to reopening.

 

[RugbyReg]

Force the next to secure a principal sponsor:

The Western Force is delighted to announce Altrad as the new Principal Partner on a multi-year deal. The partnership commences immediately ahead of the upcoming 2022 Super Rugby Pacific and Super W campaigns.
The four-year agreement will see Altrad’s logo displayed on the front of the home and away jerseys for all Force teams including the men’s and women’s teams, as well as the training wear, throughout the season.

 

[RugbyReg]

The founder of Altrad, Mohed Altrad, is a bloody rich dude who is also Chairman of Montpellier Rugby Club

Nice work Twiggy!

 

[Dctarget]

The founder of Altrad, Mohed Altrad, is a bloody rich dude who is also Chairman of Montpellier Rugby Club

Nice work Twiggy!

Also sponsor of the French & NZ team no?