Western Force on signing spree for new Super Rugby AU competition
The Western Force are not about to simply make up the numbers in the revamped Super Rugby AU tournament.
The Western Force are not about to simply make up the numbers in the revamped Super Rugby AU tournament, signing four stars including two former Wallabies to bolster their squad.
It is understood the Force will soon unveil Kyle Godwin, Greg Holmes, Jono Lance and Ollie Atkins as new recruits, four weeks before their much-anticipated return to Super Rugby against NSW Waratahs.
In a twist of fate, Godwin had been chased by the Waratahs before the COVID-19 lockdown put a freeze on contracting.
The Force have now landed the former Wallabies centre, who will line up against NSW on July 11 — the Force’s first Super game since being axed from the tournament by Rugby Australia in 2017.
Lance is another star well-known to Tahs fans, having been part of the 2014 premiership-winning NSW squad.
He also played for the Force from 2016 to 2017.
Both Lance and former Wallabies prop Holmes also played in the victorious 2011 Super Rugby final for Queensland Reds against the Crusaders.
Holmes, a 27-Test veteran, will provide starch in the Force scrum, while Exeter lock Atkins — born in Hobart — had previous stints at the Perth franchise and NSW.
The addition of the quartet to the roster the Force had for Global Rapid Rugby signals their intent to cause some boilovers as they seek a permanent re-entry to Super Rugby.
Force coach Tim Sampson hinted at the new recruits on Thursday morning.
“There’s been so much player movement worldwide, and we’ve been contacted by numerous players and player managers, I think there might be some good news over the next few days for us,” Sampson said.
“We’re still 30 days out so if guys do join us it’s a pretty good prep time for them; four weeks lead-in.”
The Force will set up camp in the NSW Hunter Valley, and play their early games away from home but hope coronavirus restrictions ease by the time of the second half of the competition so they can host games in Perth.
RA has yet to reach a decision on what the proposed model for Super Rugby will look like from 2021 and beyond.
“First and foremost we just want to play for Perth and WA in this tournament, at the back end of that later in the year we’ll see what that brings and what 2021 brings, that will determine what we do,” Sampson said.
Global Rapid Rugby chief executive, Mark Evans, declared the Force will make no excuses in their return season and expects big results. “Whatever scenario the Force face, rest assured the coach and the players will be ready to take on any opposition anywhere,” Evans said.
“The players have continued to work hard on the training paddock since the inaugural Global Rapid Rugby season was cancelled. Going head-to-head with Super Rugby quality teams will be a challenge. But in true Western Australian fashion, there will be no excuses.”
RA confirmed the draw for the 12-week competition to start on July 3 when Queensland host the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium, followed by the Brumbies vs Rebels in Canberra on July 4.
Round 2 will feature the Rebels vs the Reds on July 10, before the return of the Force against NSW in Sydney on Saturday, July 11.
All games will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and streamed on Kayo after RA struck a broadcast deal on Wednesday.
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