Super Rugby profile: Western Force

Missing out narrowly on a top-eight finish last season, the Western Force will be working hard behind the scenes to make sure they reach the finals for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

The Force missed out on the top eight by just two points last year and they are likely to be in the mid-table group battling to reach the postseason this time around.

While new arrivals will certainly give the club a boost, the Force conceded the second-most points in the regular season last term and there is plenty of work to be done on their game without the ball.

The Force are available at 101.00 to win the grand final this season. 

Cron seeking progress

At such long odds in the outright market, it’s clear to see the Force are a work in progress at present, with a host of other teams ahead of them in the pecking order.

Simon Cron took the head coach role ahead of the 2023 campaign and now, with his feet under the table at HBF Park, the former Waratahs assistant coach will be determined to kick on this year.

Since their formation in 2005, the Force are still looking to build a squad capable of landing that elusive first Super Rugby title.

While the wait might have to continue beyond this year, supporters in Perth will be hoping to see steps made in the right direction this term.

Key players 

The key players and new arrivals at the club could well be on and the same this season, following the signings of Australia internationals Nic White and Ben Donaldson.

Scrum-half White has a wealth of experience and will be a leader both on and off the field to try and build a winning culture at the club.

Donaldson had mixed fortunes at the 2023 World Cup but many of the Wallabies went through the same experience at the disappointing major tournament on French soil.

Having parted ways with the Waratahs, Donaldson is set for a new chapter of his career in Perth and it’s one the 24-year-old will look to grab with both hands.

Cron now has strong competition for places in the halfbacks, with Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Max Burey also determined to keep hold of their starting roles.

The pair finished last season strongly and will not give up their No.9 and No.10 jerseys away without a fight.

New signings

Along with White and Donaldson, Harry Potter, Henry O’Donnell and Campbell Parata will both be looking to make an impact in the backline in 2024.

There have been additions in the forwards too with Harry Hoopert, Atu Moli, Will Harris, Papillon Sevele, Bame Malesu, Basi Malesu and Lopeti Faifua all joining the Force for 2024.

Opening fixtures

The Force will kick-start the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign on 23rd February when they play hosts to the Hurricanes.

In Round 2 the Force head to the Melbourne Rebels, before travelling to Canberra to face the ACT Brumbies in Round 3.