Western Force 2026

[Wilson]

Great pickup for the Force if they've signed Annan. Would've loved him back at the Reds, though I can see why he wouldn't fit in the current squad. Brumbies might have missed an opportunity there though, a fullback/centre like Taj would've been a really useful addition to their squad.

 

[Wilson]

Official announcement for that New Balance deal:

New era for Force with New Balance partnership unveiled

westernforce.rugby

It is definitely continuing the Belgravia kit under the New Balance license.

 

[Filipo Daugunu]

Yeah just watched it, that looks like Taj Annan.
Good to get him back in rugby if so

Yep thats an awesome pickup. Was a big blow I thought when he left the Reds and was very disappointing to lose him to League. Only 22 years old, good experience from his time at the Reds, and 193cm 105kg centre with good speed and defence he's a rare breed. Force seem to have a lot of backs already and would seem to be a better fit at the Brumbies as mentioned. But regardless of that, it is a real positive to see this. Likely a pre-season deal due to no announcement?

 

[Major Tom]

Woah, huge if Annan is back. Big frame, solid pass. Able to play 10, centre and fullback. Was disappointed when he left the reds because he reminded me of Mortlock. Would be a handy pick up for the force.

 

[Red Runner]

Bugger. Reds could have done with some Flyhalf back up back up back up.

 

[Raytah]

Who will play 13 this year?

Lost Tomkinson, Proctor, Poolman

Kuenzle presumably, but not much in behind...

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I'd say Ropata would be next cab of the rank. He's a good player if the Force can hold onto him.

 

[chiraag]

Divad Palu looked very good at 13 last year on the very few occasions he wasn't out with injury.

 

[Gak]

Who will play 13 this year?

Lost Tomkinson, Proctor, Poolman

Kuenzle presumably, but not much in behind...

If the posts with Annan are accurate, I think he would fit in nicely at 13. His versatility could be a big plus this year. Astute signing.

 

[WoodysRFC]

If the posts with Annan are accurate, I think he would fit in nicely at 13. His versatility could be a big plus this year. Astute signing.

Definitely accurate, it's up on their Instagram socials. Looking like he's put on a bit more muscle too.

 

[Tazzmania]

Sef Fa’agase signed by the Force

Force bolster front-row stocks with experienced prop Fa'agase

The Western Force has further bolstered the side’s front-row stocks with the signing of experienced prop Sef Fa’agase for the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season....

READ MORE

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Would the Sea of Blue be confident in saying this is their best squad in a decade with the best draw since going to Super Rugby Pacific?

Recent days pickups in the Front Row are really good with HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) hopefully returning fit and firing. Whilst he hasn't played Super Rugby yet I think Ropata is ready to go as well and lets Fakafunua develop appropriately. Throw Annan in there too

 

[Major Tom]

Would the Sea of Blue be confident in saying this is their best squad in a decade with the best draw since going to Super Rugby Pacific?

Recent days pickups in the Front Row are really good with HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) (Harry Johnson-Holmes) hopefully returning fit and firing. Whilst he hasn't played Super Rugby yet I think Ropata is ready to go as well and lets Fakafunua develop appropriately. Throw Annan in there too

Cohesion wise might take them a bit to get going. But their backline talent wise looks very good.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

True. That's why the Reds and Brums remain Aus top sides but the Force should absolutely be looking at 6-7 wins which puts you in the Final contention come last round.

 

[Wilson]

Would the Sea of Blue be confident in saying this is their best squad in a decade with the best draw since going to Super Rugby Pacific?

Recent days pickups in the Front Row are really good with HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) (Harry Johnson-Holmes) hopefully returning fit and firing. Whilst he hasn't played Super Rugby yet I think Ropata is ready to go as well and lets Fakafunua develop appropriately. Throw Annan in there too

Probably have to wait another day for full squad announcements for those judgements, particularly to find out if guys like Ropata and Annan are in the squad or just train and trial. I'm not quite sure this is a step forward as a squad yet, though it might be if they can manage the injuries better. It is missing a few of the peaks of last year (even if some were more potential then actual) and I'm not sure another very new centre pairing is going to help much for this season, however capable the players are individually.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I think the draw is a big part of it though and can be worth at least 1 win on the effect it has on the squad.

From some of the guys moving on to the pickups there have been upgrades. Sef is an upgrade on Hoopert for example. I know White and Potter are big outs but they will have plenty of familiar faces through 2,9,10,15 along with guys like Williams, Swain and Tizzano who are the heart of the pack.

 

[dru]

Sef Fa’agase signed by the Force

Force bolster front-row stocks with experienced prop Fa'agase

The Western Force has further bolstered the side’s front-row stocks with the signing of experienced prop Sef Fa’agase for the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season....

READ MORE

Sef has become a very definition of the term "journeyman". We should be clear though, the guy gives the term a fantastic reputation. All the best Sef.

 

[Filipo Daugunu]

Will be interesting to see if the Force can hold both Ropata and Annan for next year if they get through this preseason well. Already have Stewart, Kuenzle, Palu, and Boston as centres on the books. With even more back three players contracted. I wonder if Ropata and Annan are competing for a 5th and final contract spot. Don’t understand the Brumbies total denial of their backline issues, Annan was an obvious signing to get. Pritchard, and Wilcox are nowhere close to ready yet, and McLeod is also a rookie.

 

[Major Tom]

Will be interesting to see if the Force can hold both Ropata and Annan for next year if they get through this preseason well. Already have Stewart, Kuenzle, Palu, and Boston as centres on the books. With even more back three players contracted. I wonder if Ropata and Annan are competing for a 5th and final contract spot. Don’t understand the Brumbies total denial of their backline issues, Annan was an obvious signing to get. Pritchard, and Wilcox are nowhere close to ready yet, and McLeod is also a rookie.

Force lost Poolman, Potter, Pasitoa, Tomkinson and Proctor.
They've brought in Lancaster, Bridge and elevated Boston. I'd say they probably have room for the 2.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Proctor, Tomkinson, Potter, Poolman and Pasitoa left as well so the spots are there.

Boston a rookie still.