2016 Season Guide Magazine

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SEASON GUIDE 2016

The official season guide of the Western Force is published by Abbott & Co Printers on behalf of RugbyWA. Contributors: David Berrie/Fraser Smith/Luke Worthington Editor: David Berrie Design: Gabrielle LeBeck/Jess Andronikas Photography: Getty Images / True Spirit Photography / Johan Schmidt Photography ©2016 RugbyWA. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of RugbyWA. ISSN 1833-1629 The opinions expressed in articles, letters and advertisements are not necessarily those of RugbyWA or the publisher.

CONTENTS

PAGE

From the Coach and Captain

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Feature Story: Peter Grant

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Feature Story: Brisbane Boys

8 - 11

2016 Super Rugby Draw

12 - 13

Western Force 2016 Player Profiles

14 - 48

2016 Coach Profiles

49 - 50

Match Day Transport

51

Debuts and Caps

52 - 53

Western Force Stats

55 - 57

2016 Super Rugby Team Profiles

58 - 65

IT’S NOT CHANGE.

IT’S EVOLUTION.

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COACH & CAPTAIN REPORTS

contribution to this exciting chapter in Rugby history.

For a number of reasons, our 2015 season was a challenging one. The disappointment and frustration of being unable to take the next step from the progress made in 2014 was felt by us all: supporters, players, coaches and staff. And while the team remained determined to play the season to the final whistle – demonstrated by our gritty last round win over the Melbourne Rebels – there has since been a resolve to ensure our 2016 season reflects our ambition to become a Super Rugby force.

It is with great anticipation that we enter the 2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby season on the back of an exciting new era for Australian rugby. The Rugby World Cup – led by the outstanding performances of the Wallabies – brought rugby to the forefront of international sport at the end of 2015. This year sees the inclusion of the Sunwolves (Japan), Southern Kings (South Africa) and the Jaguares (Argentina) into what will be the next step in growth of the Asteron Life Super Rugby tournament.

As the Western Force team of 2016, we look forward to the opportunity to make a positive

The dawn of a new season brings with it the eager anticipation and excitement for what the year ahead holds. The youngsters of the group have been bouncing around in pre-season training determined to prove themselves, whilst the veterans, myself included, are determined to lead this club to the success it strives for.

Once again I have the honour to captain this great club, and with ten seasons behind us I am proud to lead the Western Force into its second decade and the beginning of a new era at the club, with a new game style and a range of new recruits.

After the disappointment of last season we were vigorous and uncompromising in our season review, targeting and actively looking to improve in the key areas that let us down when it counted in 2015. For this reason ‘Foles’ and his committed coaching staff have implemented a system that will see the team play the rugby the players love to play, the rugby that our loyal fans love to see, the rugby that will win us games.

With a focus on playing with speed and width and threatening the opposition with ball in

Analysis of the 2015 season identified three key areas where improvement remains crucial to success. Firstly, the need to remain focused on the behaviours that were a hallmark of the team’s character during the 2014 season.

Put simply, a desire to “act for your mate”, a relentless pursuit of improvement and a determination to impose our game on opposition teams.

Secondly, a commitment to improving skills that support our ambition to score more tries.

To that end, our focus is to play with greater speed and width, without losing focus on key components such as set piece & defence.

Finally, the development of leadership, both internally and through the recruitment of

hand, the team is committed to learning the new game style. I believe we have found an ideal mix of youthful exuberance in the likes of local boys, Kyle Godwin and Dane HaylettPetty, and an injection of experience thanks to the recruitment of three high quality backs in Peter Grant, Ben Tapuai and Jono Lance.

With such a young backline last season we lacked a little bit of veteran experience and it cost us in some pivotal moments. Now with the addition of Peter Grant and his ten years of professional rugby experience he can, along with the likes of Ben Tapuai and Alby Mathewson, help guide our young talent as they embark on the 2016 season.

2016 presents a new challenge, we have regrouped from the frustration of last season and are determined to rebound strongly this year. The key to rising back up the table this season in a push for the club’s maiden finals appearance, will be staying true to who we are as a team and the way we want to play.

This season is once again about earning respect. The respect of each other within the group, the respect of the opposition, but most

experienced players, into what is a young and talented backline provides support for the game we’re all excited about developing.

In 2016, we welcome former Springbok Peter Grant along with two Super Rugby winning backs, Ben Tapuai and Jono Lance.

These three players bring in excess of 200 Super Rugby caps; two of them have played at Test level; each of them have been a part of Super Rugby final series, with Ben and Jono key members of the Reds premiershipwinning side in 2011. As the pre-season progresses, the team is already benefiting from the knowledge, commitment & guidance these men have contributed.

While winning more matches is the end goal of what we have put in place, earning and maintaining the respect of those people we represent continues to remain at the heart of what we do.

I’d like to again thank you and all our loyal members in the Sea of Blue for your unwavering support and for playing your part in making our home ground a special place to play. So pleased to have you on board again this season. Enjoy the ride.

Foles

importantly the respect of our loyal supporters.

Every season you are the reason we feel so proud to represent the club’s colours, every time we pull on the jersey it means so much to us because we know how much it means to you. The passion of the Sea of Blue feeds our passion and we are committed to running out onto the ‘Force Field’ and giving you the results you not only desire, but deserve.

Hodgo

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PETER GRANT FEATURE

No Substitute for Experience

By Fraser Smith Five-time capped Springbok, Peter Grant, has arrived in the west, as he looks to help lead the Western Force into a new era as an ‘old head’ helping guide a young and exciting Force backline.

Grant is the most experienced flyhalf to be a part of the Western Force, who have not had an established flyhalf since Matt Giteau’s departure in 2009. Since then there has been a revolving door of playmakers with the backline struggling to settle into a rhythm. With the arrival of Durban-born Grant that could all be about to change as the 30-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the Western Force squad. Grant suits up in the Western Force jersey with 10 years of professional rugby under his belt spanning across three countries.

The veteran tallied 104 Asteron Life Super Rugby caps for the Stormers, earning his 100th cap against the Western Force in Cape Town back in 2014. Adding further strings to his bow, Grant played four seasons in Japan representing the Kobelco Steelers and heads west after a successful season in France with Top 14 club, La Rochelle, where he tallied 86 points in 19 games.

With such an illustrious rugby career behind him the classy playmaker is keen to fill a leadership role and mentor the exciting and talented young flyhalves in the squad such as local product Luke Burton and new recruit Jono Lance.

“Being a leader in the group was always part of the plan coming over here,” said Grant. “’Foles’ wanted me to come and provide a little bit of experience. We have a lot of really exciting young guys in the backline especially, like ‘Burto’ and Jono.”

“Hopefully I’ll be able to fill that role of a bit of an older head around the group and give some of the young guys a little bit of advice here and there, which is similar to what players did for me in my career. I really feel I can help Michael and the coaching staff develop that talent.”

The arrival of Grant in Western Australia has been a long time coming with the experienced No.10 almost putting pen to paper with the Force six years ago as the club looked to replace the outgoing Giteau. National aspirations hindered Grant from heading west back then but now he feels the time is right and is glad he has finally arrived.

“I wanted to come to the Force back then, it was a really close call and definitely one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my rugby career,” he said. “Obviously Springbok

selection was still in the picture back then so that’s why I stayed in South Africa, but this time around it was a really easy choice. I’ve travelled a lot and matured a lot since then so I’m really looking forward to my next chapter here in Perth.”

Grant has been honing his craft at the top level since 2006 when he made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers as a 21-year-old. No stranger to success, in his time with the Stormers, Grant guided his side to the Super Rugby final in 2010 and a semi-final finish in 2011 and 2012.

In true South African style Grant is blessed with supreme talent off the kicking tee, sitting seventh on the all-time Super Rugby points scoring list with 866 points to his name.

With Australian teams (65%) sitting below the tournament goal-kicking average of 72% in 2015, Grant will be on hand to ensure the club don’t leave any points out on the field.

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Western Force head coach, Michael Foley, has spoken extensively about the side’s desire to play a faster more expansive style of rugby in 2016 and with Grant having already made a name for himself as a brilliant distributor of the ball and a true General in attack, the club’s newest playmaker is keen to be part of such a dynamic system.

“I definitely bring that experience aspect with me but at the same time I have plenty to offer the team from the playing perspective. I had a lot of long phone calls with Foles when I was in France and we spoke in-depth about bringing more speed and width into the team’s game and improving on last season. I know I can fit into that platform of exciting rugby, I really love that attacking, flying type of rugby.

“I’m not the quickest man on the park,” he laughed. “But hopefully I can move the ball nice and quickly and get it to the speedy guys outside me.”

The attacking minded playmaker has also made a name for himself on the defensive side of the ball throughout his career, with his aggression and physicality in the tackle completing his all-round game. Although his hard-nosed approach to the game isn’t what earned the South African his famous nickname, ‘Bash’.

“It’s just a family nickname, I was a chubby, clumsy baby and it has just stuck. It’s got nothing to do with rugby but it sounds pretty good.”

The desire to be part of Foley’s new attacking system at the Force wasn’t the only draw card that enticed Grant to continue his career in Western Australia, with family living in Perth playing a big part in his decision.

“I’m very excited to be here. I’ve got a lot of family here with two of my uncles living in Perth, one of them for over 30 years, and my parents as well, so that’s a big draw card, but I love the lifestyle of Australia, particularly in Perth. Having family here has made it really easy to settle in and the welcoming nature of the team has made me feel comfortable from the beginning.”

Further easing Grant’s transition into the Western Force is the knowledge that he has joined a club with an extremely loyal and supportive fan base and the new recruit is itching to make his debut in front of the Sea of Blue and the season ahead.

“I played against the Force in Perth back in 2012 for the Stormers and one thing that hit me was just how passionate and vocal the fans are. I’m certainly glad they are going to be in my corner this time around.

“We have a really great group with such a strong mix of ages, talents and experience. With the philosophy that ‘Foles’ has put in place I am really excited for what we can achieve as a team this season.”

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BRISBANE BOYS FEATURE

THE BOYS ARE BACK

IN TOWN

By David Berrie

Southport School (TSS) and playing in the same 1st XV rugby side for two years (2006 & 2007).

Luke Morahan has fond memories of his school days, with both Ben and Jono being a major part; “I’ve got some great memories from school with Jono and Taps, we had a very successful two years at TSS, but my best memory was winning our first premiership,” he said. “We were the underdogs by a fair way going into that season, and we had to work hard, so coming through and eventually winning was pretty special.”

Morahan says his funniest school days moment went to Jono Lance after a somewhat errant pass from teammate Ben Tapuai.

“One of my favourite funny on-field moments, which is going to sound very mean, was Jono’s second 1st XV game

It’s been nearly three years since Ben Tapuai, Jono Lance and Luke Morahan have been named in the same match day 23, which funnily enough, was for a 2013 Queensland Reds side against the Western Force at nib Stadium, and ended in a tough 11-11 draw.

for TSS. He was at inside centre, the play was called and he was first receiver. As the play unfolded he was given a hospital pass from Taps and got absolutely waled by the biggest guy on the field - the whole game just stopped because we weren’t sure if he was alive.”

All three have taken different journeys to get to the west coast from Queensland, with Luke signing with the Force in 2014, Jono heading to the New South Wales Waratahs for two seasons (2014, 2015) and Ben staying with the Queensland Reds until the end of last year. However, two seasons on and the trio are back together in Perth, preparing for a big 2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby season.

Jono Lance’s version of the story is similar but not delivered quite as comically.

The story of these three mates dates back further than their stints at the QLD Reds though, with all three attending The

“There were twin brothers in the opposition team that day called the ‘Mafi Twins’ and they were pretty scary looking blokes,” he said. “Taps called the play in centre field and I was supposed to run directly into the twin’s channel. Back then I rarely wore a mouth guard but I always had it in my pocket; for that play I took out and wore my mouth guard.”

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BRISBANE BOYS FEATURE

“Taps got rushed up on and popped a pass out, then the next thing I knew I was on my back, without the ball and both teams looking over me asking if I was ok. So yeah, cheers Taps.”

“We played together for such a long time that we have some really good combinations,” he said. “Even though time has passed, I feel that we’ve slotted back into those combinations pretty quickly.”

Lance reminisces on his school team and says he didn’t realise just how good they were and the volume of emerging talent in the team.

“You can see it out at training now, just how much we instinctively know how to play with each other, and feed off each other really well. So, hopefully that transitions into the game and we have a great season together.”

“Looking back at that team we had, I think at the time, we were a bit oblivious to it all, because you look back now and see names like James Slipper, Luke Morahan, Ben Tapuai, Rob Simmons and Jarrad Butler on the sheet.

“To put it into perspective, I remember a conversation I had with a teacher at the time and he said that, on average, there would probably only be two or three people from the school that will go on to play professional sport. We ended up having seven professional rugby players and four swimmers that went to the Olympics in my year group. It was a pretty incredible year for TSS.” Ben Tapuai feels that the reuniting of two of his long time friends and teammates is going to have a huge impact on the field of play.

Tapuai says the team culture that he and Jono have walked into is incredible and made the transition into the club so much smoother.

“Playing professional rugby is a serious environment and we know we need to play well, but the culture here is strong and I think the playing relationship between Luke, Jono and me can only benefit from that culture.

“I think a team performs well when there is a healthy and fun relationship between the players and I definitely have fun when I’m playing with those two.”

The Western Force’s 11th season kicks off at the ‘Force Field’ on Saturday, 27 February against the Melbourne Rebels.

Photos courtesy of Sonny Harmanto Photography

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SUPER RUGBY DRAW 2016 | ROUNDS 1 - 9

ROUND 1 MATCH Friday, 26 September Blues v Highlanders Friday, 26 September Brumbies v Hurricanes Friday, 26 February Cheetahs v Argentina Saturday, 27 February Japan v Lions Saturday, 27 February Crusaders v Chiefs Saturday, 27 February Waratahs v Reds Saturday, 27 February Force v Rebels Saturday, 27 February Kings v Sharks Saturday, 27 February Stormers v Blues ROUND 2 MATCH Friday, 4 March Crusaders v Blues Friday, 4 March Brumbies v Waratahs Saturday, 5 March Chiefs v Lions Saturday, 5 March Highlanders v Hurricanes Saturday, 5 March Reds v Force Saturday, 5 March Bulls v Rebels Saturday, 5 March Cheetahs v Stormers Saturday, 5 March Sharks v Argentina BYES: JAPAN, KINGS ROUND 3 MATCH Friday, 11 March Blues v Hurricanes Friday, 11 March Force v Brumbies Saturday, 12 March Highlanders v Lions Saturday, 12 March Rebels v Reds Saturday, 12 March Japan v Cheetahs Saturday, 12 March Kings v Chiefs Saturday, 12 March Stormers v Sharks BYES: ARGENTINA, BULLS, CRUSADERS, WARATAHS ROUND 4 MATCH Friday, 18 March Hurricanes v Force Friday, 18 March Waratahs v Highlanders Friday, 18 March Bulls v Sharks Saturday, 19 March Japan v Rebels Saturday, 19 March Crusaders v Kings Saturday, 19 March Reds v Blues Saturday, 19 March Lions v Cheetahs Saturday, 19 March Stormers v Brumbies Saturday, 19 March Argentina v China ROUND 5 MATCH Friday , 25 March Hurricanes v Kings Saturday, 26 March Chiefs v Force Saturday, 26 March Rebels v Highlanders Saturday, 26 March Japan v Bulls Saturday, 26 March Cheetahs v Brumbies Saturday, 26 March Sharks v Crusaders Saturday, 26 March Argentina v Stormers Sunday, 27 March Reds v Waratahs BYES: BLUES, LIONS

HOME VENUE Eden Park, Auckland GIO Stadium, Canberra Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo AMI Stadium, Christchurch Allianz Stadium, Sydney nib Stadium, Perth Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth DHL Newlands, Cape Town HOME VENUE AMI Stadium, Christchurch GIO Stadium, Canberra FMG Stadium, Hamilton Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Growthpoint KINGS PARK, Durban

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:40 19:00 13:15 19:35 19:40 18:50 15:00 17:05 KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:40 17:15 19:35 18:40 15:00 17:05 19:10

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 26 Feb, 14:35 Fri 26 Feb, 16:40 Sat 27 Feb, 1:00 Sat 27 Feb, 12:15 Sat 27 Feb, 14:35 Sat 27 Feb 16:40 Sat 27 Feb 18:50 Sat 27 Feb 21:00 Sat 27 Feb 23:05 DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 4 Mar, 14:35 Fri 4 Mar, 16:40 Sat 5 Mar, 12:15 Sat 5 Mar, 14:35 Sat 5 Mar, 16:40 Sat 5 Mar, 21:00 Sat 5 Mar, 23:05 Sun 6 Mar, 1:10

HOME VENUE Eden Park, Auckland nib Stadium, Perth Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin AAMI Park, Melbourne Singapore National Stadium, Singapore Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth DHL Newlands, Cape Town

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:05 19:35 19:40 18:50 15:00 17:05

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 11 Mar, 14:35 Fri 11 Mar, 19:05 Sat 12 Mar, 14:35 Sat 12 Mar, 16:40 Sat 12 Mar, 18:50 Sat 12 Mar, 21:00 Sat 12 Mar, 23:05

HOME VENUE Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North Allianz Stadium, Sydney Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo AMI Stadium, Christchurch Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg DHL Newlands, Cape Town Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires HOME VENUE Westpac Stadium, Wellington FMG Stadium, Hamilton AAMI Park, Melbourne Singapore National Stadium, Singapore Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Growthpoint KINGS PARK, Durban Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:40 19:00 13:15 19:35 18:40 17:05 19:10 TBC KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:35 19:40 18:50 15:00 17:05 TBC 15:05

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 18 Mar, 14:35 Fri 18 Mar, 16:40 Sat 19 Mar, 1:00 Sat 19 Mar, 12:15 Sat 19 Mar, 14:35 Sat 19 Mar, 16:40 Sat 19 Mar, 23:05 Sun 20 Mar, 1:10 TBC DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 25 Mar, 14:35 Sat 26 Mar, 14:35 Sat 26 Mar, 16:40 Sat 26 Mar, 18:50 Sat 26 Mar, 21:00 Sat 26 Mar, 23:05 TBC Sun 27 Mar, 13:05

ROUND 6 MATCH Friday, 1 April Highlanders v Force Friday, 1 April Lions v Crusaders Saturday, 2 April Blues v Argentina Saturday, 2 April Brumbies v Chiefs Saturday, 2 April Kings v Japan Saturday, 2 April Bulls v Cheetahs Saturday, 2 April Waratahs v Rebels BYES: HURRICANES, REDS, SHARKS, STORMERS ROUND 7 MATCH Friday, 8 April Chiefs v Blues Friday, 8 April Force v Crusaders Friday, 8 April Stormers v Japan Saturday, 9 April Hurricanes v Argentina Saturday, 9 April Reds v Highlanders Saturday, 9 April Sharks v Lions Saturday, 9 April Kings v Blues BYES: BRUMBIES, CHEETAHS, REBELS, WARATAHS ROUND 8 MATCH Friday, 15 April Crusaders, Argentina Friday, 15 April Rebels v Hurricanes Friday, 15 April Cheetahs v Japan Saturday, 16 April Blues v Sharks Saturday, 16 April Waratahs v Brumbies Saturday, 16 April Bulls v Reds Saturday, 16 April Lions v Stormers BYE: CHIEFS, FORCE, HIGHLANDERS, KINGS ROUND 9 ANZAC MATCH Friday, 22 April Highlanders v Sharks Friday, 22 April Rebels v Cheetahs Saturday, 23 April Japan v Argentina Saturday, 23 April Hurricanes v Chiefs Saturday, 23 April Force v Waratahs Saturday, 23 April Stormers v Reds Saturday, 23 April Kings v Lions Sunday, 24 April Brumbies v Crusaders BYES: BLUES, BULLS

HOME VENUE Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg QBE Stadium, North Harbour GIO Stadium, Canberra Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Allianz Stadium, Sydney

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:00 19:35 19:40 17:05 19:10 16:05

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 1 Apr, 14:35 Sat 2 Apr, 1:00 Sat 2 Apr, 14:35 Sat 2 Spr, 16:40 Sun 3 Apr, 23:05 Sun 3 Apr, 1:10 Sun 2 Apr, 14:05

HOME VENUE FMG Stadium, Hamilton nib Stadium, Perth DHL Newlands, Cape Town Westpac Stadium, Wellington Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Growthpoint KINGS PARK, Durban Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:00 19:00 19:35 19:40 17:05 19:10

DATE / TIME (AWST)W Fri 8 Apr, 15:35 Fri 8 Apr, 19:00 Sat 9 Apr, 1:00 Sat 9 Apr, 15:35 Sat 9 Apr, 17:40 Sat 9 Apr, 23:05 Sun 10 Apr, 1:10

HOME VENUE AMI Stadium, Christchurch AAMI Park, Melbourne Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Eden Park, Auckland Allianz Stadium, Sydney Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg

KICK OFF - LOCAL AWST 19:35 19:40 19:00 19:35 19:40 17:05 19:10

DATE Fri 15 Apr, 15:35 Fri 15 Apr, 17:40 Sat 16 Apr, 1:00 Sat 16 Apr, 15:35 Sat 16 Apr, 17:40 Sat 16 Apr, 23:05 Sun 17 Apr, 1:10

HOME VENUE Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin AAMI Park, Melbourne Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo Westpac Stadium, Wellington nib Stadium, Perth DHL Newlands, Cape Town Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth GIO Stadium, Canberra

KICK OFF - LOCAL AWST 19:35 19:40 14:15 19:35 17:40 15:00 17:05 16:05

DATE Fri 22 Apr, 15:35 Fri 22 Apr, 17:40 Sat 23 Apr, 13:15 Sat 23 Apr, 15:35 Sat 23 Apr, 17:40 Sat 23 Apr, 21:00 Sat 23 Apr, 23:05 Sat 23 Apr, 14:05

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SUPER RUGBY DRAW 2016 | ROUNDS 10 - 17 ROUND 10 MATCH Friday, 29 April Chiefs v Sharks Friday, 29 April Force v Bulls Saturday, 30 April Highlanders v Brumbies Saturday, 30 April Blues v Rebels Saturday, 30 April Reds v Cheetahs Saturday, 30 April Lions v Hurricanes Saturday, 30 April Stormers v Waratahs Saturday, 30 April Argentina v Kings BYES: CRUSADERS, JAPAN ROUND 11 MATCH Friday, 6 May Crusaders v Reds Friday, 6 May Brumbies v Bulls Saturday, 7 May Japan v Force Saturday, 7 May Chiefs v Highlanders Saturday, 7 May Waratahs v Cheetahs Saturday, 7 May Sharks v Hurricanes Saturday, 7 May Kings v Blues BYES: ARGENTINA, LIONS, REBELS, STORMERS ROUND 12 MATCH Friday 13 May Highlanders v Crusaders Friday 13 May Rebels v Brumbies Saturday 14 May Hurricanes v Reds Saturday 14 May Waratahs v Bulls Saturday 14 May Japan v Stormers Saturday 14 May Cheetahs v Kings Saturday 14 May Lions v Blues Saturday 14 May Argentina v Sharks BYES: CHIEFS, FORCE ROUND 13 MATCH Friday, 20 May Crusaders v Waratahs Saturday, 21 May Reds v Japan Saturday, 21 May Cheifs v Rebels Saturday, 21 May Force v Blues Saturday, 21 May Lions v Argentina Saturday, 21 May Sharks v Kings Saturday, 21 May Bulls v Stormers BYES: BRUMBIES, CHEETAHS, HIGHLANDERS, HURRICANES ROUND 14 MATCH Friday, 27 May Hurricanes v Highlanders Friday, 27 May Waratahs v Chiefs Friday, 27 May Kings v Argentina Saturday, 28 May Blues v Crusaders Saturday, 28 May Brumbies v Japan Saturday, 28 May Stormers v Cheetahs Saturday, 28 May Bulls v Lions Sunday, 29 May Rebels v Force BYES: REDS, SHARKS ROUND 15 MATCH Friday 1 July Chiefs v Crusaders Friday 1 July Brumbies v Reds Saturday 2 July Japan v Waratahs Saturday 2 July Hurricanes v Blues Saturday 2 July Rebels v Stormers Saturday 2 July Cheetahs v Force Saturday 2 July Kings v Highlanders Saturday 2 July Lions v Sharks Saturday 2 July Argentina v Bulls ROUND 16 MATCH Friday 8 July Blues v Brumbies Friday 8 July Reds v Chiefs Friday 8 July Lions v Kings Saturday 9 July Crusaders v Rebels Saturday 9 July Waratahs v Hurricanes Saturday 9 July Force v Stormers Saturday 9 July Bulls v Japan Saturday 9 July Sharks v Cheetahs Saturday 9 July Argentina v Highlanders ROUND 1 7 Friday, 15 July Friday, 15 July Friday, 15 July Saturday, 16 July Saturday, 16 July Saturday, 16 July Saturday, 16 July Saturday, 16 July Saturday, 16 July SUPER RUGBY QUALIFIERS Friday, 22 July Friday, 22 July Saturday, 23 July Saturday, 23 July

MATCH Blues v Waratahs Reds v Rebels Sharks v Japan Crusaders v Hurricanes Highlanders v Chiefs Brumbies v Force Stormers v Kings Cheetahs v Bulls Argentina v Lions

HOME VENUE Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth nib Stadium, Perth Eden Park, Auckland Rugby Park, Invercargill Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg DHL Newlands, Cape Town Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:05 17:15 19:35 19:40 17:05 19:10 TBC

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 29 Apr, 15:35 Fri 29 Apr, 19:05 Sat 30 Apr, 13:15 Sat 30 Apr, 15:35 Sat 30 Apr, 17:40 Sat 30 Apr, 23:05 Sun 1 May, 1:10 TBC

HOME VENUE AMI Stadium, Christchurch GIO Stadium, Canberra Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo FMG Stadium, Hamilton Allianz Stadium, Sydney Growthpoint KINGS PARK, Durban Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:40 14:15 19:35 19:40 15:00 17:05

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 6 May, 15:35 Fri 6 May, 17:40 Sat 7 May, 13:15 Sat 7 May, 14:35 Sat 7 May, 17:40 Sat 7 May, 21:00 Sat 7 May, 23:05

HOME VENUE Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin AAMI Park, Melbourne Westpac Stadium, Wellington Allianz Stadium, Sydney Singapore National Stadium, Singapore Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:40 19:35 19:40 19:45 17:05 19:10 TBC

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 13 May, 19:35 Fri 13 May, 21:40 Sat 14 May, 19:35 Sat 14 May, 21:40 Sat 14 May, 23:45 Sun 15 May, 3:05 Sun 15 May, 5:10 TBC

HOME VENUE AMI Stadium, Christchurch Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane FMG Stadium, Hamilton nib Stadium, Perth Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg Growthpoint KINGS PARK, Durban Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 15:05 19:35 17:40 15:00 17:05 19:10

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 20 May, 15:35 Sat 21 May, 13:05 Sat 21 May, 15:35 Sat 21 May, 17:40 Sat 21 May, 21:00 Sat 21 May, 23:05 Sun 22 May, 1:10

HOME VENUE Westpac Stadium, Wellington Allianz Stadium, Sydney Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth Eden Park, Auckland GIO Stadium, Canberra DHL Newlands, Cape Town Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria AAMI Park, Melbourne

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:40 19:00 19:35 19:40 15:00 17:05 16:05

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 27 May, 15:35 Fri 27 May, 17:40 Sat 28 May, 1:00 Sat 28 May, 15:35 Sat 28 May, 17:40 Sat 28 May, 21:00 Sat 28 May, 23:05 Sun 29 May, 14:05

HOME VENUE ANZ Stadium, Suva GIO Stadium, Canberra Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo Westpac Stadium, Wellington AAMI Park, Melbourne Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires HOME VENUE Eden Park, Auckland Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg AMI Stadium, Christchurch Allianz Stadium, Sydney nib Stadium, Perth Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Growthpoint KINGS PARK, Durban Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:40 14:15 19:35 19:40 15:00 17:05 19:10 TBC KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:40 19:00 19:35 19:40 19:45 17:05 19:10 TBC

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 1 Jul, 19:35 Fri 1 Jul, 21:40 Sat 2 Jul, 17:15 Sat 2 Jul, 19:35 Sat 2 Jul, 21:40 Sun 3 Jul, 1:00 Sun 3 Jul, 3:05 Sun 3 Jul, 5:10 TBC DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 8 Jul, 19:35 Fri 8 Jul, 21:40 Sat 9 Jul, 5:00 Sat 9 Jul, 19:35 Sat 9 Jul, 21:40 Sat 9 Jul, 23:45 Sun 10 Jul, 3:05 Sun 10 Jul, 5:10 TBC

HOME VENUE Eden Park, Auckland Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Growthpoint KINGS PARK, Durban AMI Stadium, Christchurch Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin GIO Stadium, Canberra DHL Newlands, Cape Town Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires

KICK OFF - LOCAL 19:35 19:40 19:00 17:15 19:35 19:40 17:05 19:10 TBC

DATE / TIME (AWST) Fri 15 Jul, 15:35 Fri 15 Jul, 17:40 Sat 16 Jul, 1:00 Sat 16 Jul, 13:15 Sat 16 Jul, 15:35 Sat 16 Jul, 17:40 Sat 16 Jul, 23:05 Sun 17 Jul, 1:10 TBC

SUPER RUGBY QUALIFIERS Friday 29 July Saturday 30 July

SUPER RUGBY FINAL Saturday 6 August

14

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CHRIS ALCOCK PROFILE #100 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

182cm 103KG 24/06/1988 Durban, RSA

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Flanker St Ives Juniors Barker College UWA (Waratahs) 2010 v Cheetahs

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Chris Alcock is a hard-nosed, bullocking openside flanker whose tenacity and aggression all over the park is a true asset to the Western Force pack. Alcock joined the Western Force in 2013 from the NSW Waratahs and has played 26 matches for the Western Australian side, notching up his 50th Asteron Life Super Rugby cap against the Stormers in Round 10 last year.

Alcock played seven matches for the Force in 2015 starting in six and was a valuable contributor for UWA in the Pindan Premier Grade, coming third in the PG Hampshire award voting.

2004

Represents the NSW Schools, defeating Sydney Juniors in the National Under 16 Championship.

2006 2007

Represents Barker College 1st XV.

2008

Represents Gordon in the W McMahon Shield (Colts I) 1st Colts; awarded Gordon Colts’ best and fairest player.

2009

Stars for Gordon in their Shute Shield season, scoring a try in their 53-32 loss to Randwick in the elimination final; starts at No.8 for Gordon’s Grand Final loss.

CAREER STATS

Plays seven matches for English club, Oxford Harlequins, scoring five tries.

Western Force:

Caps

26

Points

15 (3t)

Super Rugby:

Caps

52

Points

15 (3t)

2010

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

Makes Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs against the Cheetahs in Sydney.

2011

Plays 12 matches for the Waratahs, scoring his maiden Super Rugby try; starts for Eastwood in the Shute Shield grand final.

2012

Plays 12 matches for the NSW Waratahs; signs with the Western Force for two seasons.

2013

Plays 16 matches for the Western Force in his debut season for the club, starting in nine.

2014

Plays two matches for the Western Force before a season ending shoulder injury, returning in the final round match against the Brumbies; joins the Greater Sydney Rams in the Buildcorp NRC.

2015

Plays seven matches for the Western Force, starting in nine; represents the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp NRC.

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2013:

Caps

16

Points

5 (1t)

2014: 2015:

Caps Caps

3 7

Points Points

0 10 (2t)

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15

MARCEL BRACHE PROFILE #121 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

190cm 92kg 15/10/1987 Los Angeles, USA

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors:

Centre

School:

Rondebosch Boys High

Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Perth Bayswater

Rondebosch Boys High

(Stormers) 2012 v Lions

PROFILE Marcel Brache is an athletic, energetic centre blessed with extraordinary pace and agility in open play and strength in the contact area. After joining the Force for the 2014 season from Currie Cup side Western Province, Brache has become a regular starter playing nine matches in his maiden season before adding a further 14 Asteron Life Super Rugby caps in 2015, including 12 run-on starts.

A favourite among fans and players alike, the South African raised speedster is primed for his strongest season yet in his third year in the West.

TIMELINE TIMELINE

CAREER STATS Western Force:

Caps

24

Points

0

Super Rugby:

Caps

25

Points

0

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

2010

Plays for the University of Cape Town Ikey Tigers, finishing second and losing the grand final to Maties, 17-14.

2011

Represents the Ikey Tigers including at outside centre in their 26-16 Varsity Cup final win over Tuks (University of Pretoria).

2012

Makes his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers in the side’s 27-17 win over the Lions; named vice-captain for Western Province; plays for Western Province including the Currie Cup final where the side defeated the Natal Sharks 25-18 to take the title.

2013

Plays for Western Province in the Currie Cup in their minor premiership-winning season; signs with the Western Force.

2014

Makes his debut for the Western Force in Round Four against the Rebels, earning nine caps; plays four matches with the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp NRC.

2015

Becomes a regular figure in the Western Force backline playing 14 matches with 12 run-on starts.

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2014: 2015:

Caps Caps

9 15

Points Points

0 0

16

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LUKE BURTON PROFILE #123 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

180cm 92kg 17/02/1994 Perth, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Flyhalf Associates Hale School UWA 2014 v Stormers

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Local talent, Luke Burton had a breakout season with the Western Force in 2015. After making his debut in 2014 Burton entrenched himself as a regular in the Western Force backline adding 16 caps to his name with eight matches in the starting line-up.

The Hale School product possesses a strong running game with ball in hand, physicality in defence as well as a brilliant kicking game in open play and off the tee. The versatile inside back can play both flyhalf and inside centre and with a tremendous work ethic Burton is set to reach new heights in 2016.

2009 2010

Joins the RugbyWA Bankwest Academy.

2011

Member of the RugbyWA Bankwest Academy.

2012

Invited to join the Western Force in the Wider Training Squad; selected for the South Australian President’s XV that is defeated 42-0 by the Western Force in Adelaide.

2013

Trains with the Western Force during the pre-season; Plays in the Western Force’s trial match against the Tonga XV; selected in the Australian Under 20 side to contend the IRB Junior World Cup in France; plays in every match, scoring tries against New Zealand and Fiji and kicking three conversions for the tournament.

2014

Makes his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in Round 14 against the Stormers; selected in the Australian Under 20 side that finishes fifth in the IRB Junior World Cup in New Zealand, playing in three matches including starting against Italy and scoring 14 points in the match.

2015

Plays 16 matches for the Force, starting in 8; scored 47 points. Represents Perth Spirit in 2015 Buildcorp NRC.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

18

Points

47

Super Rugby:

Caps

18

Points

47

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2014: 2015:

Caps Caps

2 16

Points Points

0 47

Represents Western Australia in the Under 16 National Championships, where WA finishes fifth; kicks a penalty and conversion at the tournament; member of the RugbyWA Bankwest Academy.

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NATHAN CHARLES PROFILE #70 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

183cm 104kg 09/01/1989 Sydney, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Hooker Wahroonga Tigers Knox Grammar Palmyra 2010 v Stormers

PROFILE

TIMELINE

The ever consistent Nathan Charles played and started in 16 of the Western Force’s matches in 2015, accomplishing this feat for the second consecutive season. The four-timecapped Wallaby’s game is centred around an incredible work-rate all over the park, precision and experience at the set piece. Believed to be the world’s only professional athlete suffering Cystic Fibrosis, Charles fights just as hard off the field as he does on it in his role as an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Australia.

‘Cheese’ continues to be a corner stone of the Western Force forward pack and 26-year-old is primed for another big year in 2016.

2006

Member of Canterbury Bulldogs side (rugby league); represents Australian Schoolboys.

2007

Member of Grand Final winning Sydney University Colts side.

2008

Brumbies Academy; member of Australian Under 20 squad; represents Sydney University in Shute Shield grand final; awarded SMH Rookie of the Year.

2009

Member of Brumbies Academy; member of the Australian Under 20 side; represents Sydney University in the Shute Shield grand final.

2010

Joins Western Force on a short-term contract; represents Sydney University in Shute Shield grand final; selected in Wallabies’ training squad for the Spring Tour.

2011

Plays all 16 matches for the Western Force; joins Gloucester on a short-term contract.

2012

Is the only player to start in every match for the Western Force; plays for Sydney University in their Shute Shield grand final win.

2013

Starting hooker for the first five games of the season; a knee injury rules him out for the rest of the season.

2014

Starts every Super Rugby match; selected for Wallabies squad for the Test series against France, debuting in Melbourne; plays four matches for the Wallabies.

2015

Plays and starts all 16 Western Force matches.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

76

Points

20 (4t)

Super Rugby:

Caps

76

Points

20 (4t)

Tests:

Caps

4

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2010: 2011:

Caps Caps

7 16

Points Points

0 5 (1t)

2012:

Caps

16

Points

0

2013:

Caps

5

Points

0

2014:

Caps

16

Points

15 (3t)

2015:

Caps

16

Points

0

18

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ADAM COLEMAN PROFILE #120 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

204cm 122kg 07/10/1991 Hobart, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Lock Glenmorchy Stags Elizabeth College Cottesloe (Waratahs) 2013 v Force

PROFILE Standing at 204cm tall, Adam Coleman is an opposing figure for opposition teams both at lineout time and in open play. Coleman’s strength in contact and powerful running game saw him put together the best season of his young career in 2015, playing 12 matches and scoring is maiden Asteron Life Super Rugby try against the Bulls in Pretoria, with a barnstorming run from 25 metres out.

Following the departure of veteran locks Sam Wykes and Wilhelm Steenkamp, Coleman will play a pivotal role in the Force forward pack this season and will look to stamp his authority as the club’s premier second rower.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

26

Points

5 (1t)

Super Rugby:

Caps

27

Points

5 (1t)

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2014: 2015:

Caps Caps

14 12

Points Points

0 5 (1t)

TIMELINE 2009

Represents Tasmania in the Under 18s at the National Championships; selected in the Under 18s Combined States side that loses to Queensland in the final of the Division One Championship, 41-17.

2010

Moves to Canberra and joins the Brumbies Academy.

2011

Selected in the National Academy joins Parramatta in the Shute Shield.

2012 2013

Represents Parramatta.

2014

Makes his debut for the Western Force in the Round Four, 32-7 victory over the Rebels in Perth, playing 14 matches in total for the Western Force.

2015

Plays 12 matches for the Western Force and scores his maiden Super Rugby try against the Bulls in Round Six.

Joins the Western Force in the wider training squad during pre-season for four weeks; playing one match for Force ‘A’; called up to the NSW Waratahs squad as an injury-replacement; makes his Super Rugby debut off the bench in Round 17 against the Western Force in Perth.

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ANGUS COTTRELL PROFILE #88 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

191cm 105kg 20/11/1989 Brisbane, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Back Row West Taylor Bridge Brisbane Boys College Associates 2012 v Brumbies

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Angus Cottrell is an uncompromising back-rower who has been a consistent performer for the Western Australian club since debuting in 2012. Cottrell played 14 matches for the Western Force in 2015, stepping up brilliantly to fill the void left by the injury to Matt Hodgson. Cottrell’s incredible work ethic all over the park in tandem with Hodgson and McCalman has seen him emerge as one of the Force’s most reliable forwards and a true breakdown specialist.

The 27-year-old was plucked from Brisbane club, Wests, in 2011, before taking up an Extended Playing Squad contract with the Force and was elevated to the senior squad and in 2014 he re-signed with the club until the end of 2016.

2008

Named Wests Bulldogs ‘Colts Player of the Year’; makes his Hospital Cup debut for Wests Bulldogs in Brisbane First Grade.

2009

Represents Wests in Brisbane’s Hospital Cup.

2010

Represents Wests in Brisbane’s Hospital Cup.

2011

Represents Wests in Brisbane’s Hospital Cup; named Wests Bulldogs ‘Senior Player of the Year’; joins the Western Force Extended Playing Squad.

2012

Makes his Super Rugby debut against the Brumbies in Canberra in Week One; earns his first run-on start against the Waratahs in Week Four; plays seven matches for the Western Force during the Super Rugby season.

2013

Plays nine matches for the Western Force, starting in eight; scores his maiden try against the Bulls in Round Three; plays six matches for Associates in the Pindan Premier Grade, scoring three tries.

2014

A regular starter in the Western Force’s back row, playing 13 matches; scores his second Super Rugby try in Round Four against the Melbourne Rebels; suffers a season ending ankle injury in Round 16 against the Crusaders.

2015

Played 14 matches starting in 10 and scoring two tries. Consistent performer for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp NRC, captaining the side against the Canberra Vikings.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

43

Points

20 (4t)

Super Rugby:

Caps

43

Points

20 (4t)

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2012: 2013:

Caps Caps

7 9

Points Points

0 5 (1t)

2014:

Caps

13

Points

5 (1t)

2015:

Caps

14

Points

10 (2t)

20

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PEKAHOU COWAN PROFILE #28 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

185cm 116kg 02/06/1986 Wellington, New Zealand

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Prop Newport Narrabeen Sports High Wests Scarborough 2006 v Waratahs

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Club stalwart Pek Cowan played 14 matches for the Western Force in 2015 and in doing so passed inaugural captain Nathan Sharpe on the games record list and became just the second man to tally 100 caps for the Western Australian club, behind skipper and great mate Matt Hodgson. An inaugural player, Cowan showed no signs of slowing down in his tenth Asteron Life Super Rugby season bringing the powerful and aggressive game style the Sea of Blue has come to expect from the 10-time capped Wallaby since his debut back in 2006.

With another strong pre-season under his belt the 29-yearold will again be a cornerstone of the Western Force pack in 2016.

2004

Australian Schoolboys; selected for Australian U19 side.

2005

Member of the Australian Under 21 side; signs with the Force.

2006 2007

Makes his Super Rugby debut.

2008

CAREER STATS

Makes his Super Rugby starting debut; plays nine matches; member of Australia A squad.

2009

Plays 13 Super Rugby matches; wins the ‘Force Man’ Award; makes his Test debut for the Wallabies; called into the Wallabies’ Tri Nations squad; selected for Wallabies’ Spring Tour.

2010

Plays 10 Super Rugby matches; scores his maiden Super Rugby try; earns a Wallabies test cap.

2011

Plays 12 Super Rugby matches; misses the final four matches with a broken cheekbone; earns his fifth Test cap for the Wallabies.

2012 2013

Plays all 16 matches for the Western Force.

2014

Selected for Wallabies squad, earning two caps off the bench against France in the June Test series and three in the Rugby Championship.

2015

Plays 14 Super Rugby matches; becomes second-most capped Force player on April 24 against the Chiefs in Waikato, New Zealand.

Western Force: Caps

105 Points

25 (5t)

Super Rugby:

Caps

105 Points

25 (5t)

Tests:

Caps

10

0

Points

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2006: 2007:

Caps Caps

2008:

1 0

Points Points

0 0

Caps

9

Points

0

2009:

Caps

12

Points

0

2010:

Caps

10

Points

5 (1t)

2011:

Caps

12

Points

0

2012:

Caps

16

Points

0

2013:

Caps

15

Points

10 (2t)

2014:

Caps

16

Points

5 (1t)

2015:

Caps

14

Points

5 (1t)

Represents Perth Spirit in the one-off Australian Rugby Championship.

Plays 15 Super Rugby matches; scores two tries.

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TETERA FAULKNER PROFILE #81 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

178cm 117kg 26/07/1988 Tauranga, New Zealand

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club:

Prop

Super Rugby Debut:

2011 v Rebels

Moorabbin Rams Marist College Wanneroo Southern Districts

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Tetera Faulkner continued his progression as one the Western Force’s most consistent forwards in 2015 playing in all of the club’s matches. The two-time capped Wallaby has made a name for himself as a powerful scrummager and his excellent work ethic around the park holds him in good stead to continue his progression to becoming one of the top props in Australia.

A product of the Melbourne rugby community, he was an Australian Schoolboy, Under 19 and Under 20 representative and had stints with the Brumbies and Waratahs Academies prior to joining the Force.

2006 2007

Member of Australian Schoolboys side.

2008

Member of the Brumbies Academy; member of the Australian U20 side that finishes fifth at IRB Junior World Championship in Wales.

2009

Spends a year away from rugby working as a labourer in Melbourne.

2010

A member of the Southern Districts side that finishes second in Sydney’s Shute Shield.

2011

Member of the Waratahs Academy; signs with the Western Force until 2013; makes his Super Rugby debut off the bench against the Rebels in Week 18.

2012

Makes his run-on debut against the Crusaders in Week 18; plays three matches for the Force; scores eight tries for Wanneroo in Pindan Premier Grade.

2013

Plays 12 matches for the Force, starting at tighthead in three.

2014

Plays 14 matches; selected in the Wallabies squad for the final Bledisloe Cup match and the Spring Tour; plays three matches with the Perth Spirit.

2015

Plays all 16 matches for the Force in 2015, starting in 15 and scoring two tries; represents the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp NRC as one of the side’s two marquee players along with Kyle Godwin.

CAREER STATS Western Force:

Caps

45

Points

10 (2t)

Super Rugby:

Caps

45

Points

10 (2t)

Tests:

Caps

2

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2011: 2012:

Caps Caps

Points Points

Caps

1 2 12

Points

0 0 0

2013: 2014: 2015:

Caps Caps

14 16

Points Points

0 10 (2t)

Joins the Brumbies Academy; represents Australian side that finishes third at the IRB U19 World Championship; awarded ACT Under 19 Player of the Year.

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KYLE GODWIN PROFILE #93 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

187cm 93kg 30/07/1992 Harare, Zimbabwe

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Inside Centre Aquinas College/Associates Aquinas College Associates 2012 v Reds

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Local talent Kyle Godwin continues to forge his reputation as one of the most promising prospects in Australian rugby. The exciting inside back started in all 16 of the franchise’s matches after an injury ravaged 2014 campaign.

Godwin was a standout performer for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship and will look to carry his hot form into the start of the Asteron Life Super Rugby season.

Blessed with a powerful running game along with spectacular vision to put his teammates through gaps, Godwin is set to reach new heights in 2016 alongside new backline signings Ben Tapuai, Peter Grant and Jono Lance.

2009

Member of the Bankwest Academy; captains WA Schoolboys at National Schoolboys Championships; selected for the Australian Schoolboys.

2010

Represents Associates first grade side that finishes third in Premier Grade; represents the WA Under 20 side.

2011

Member of the Western Force Senior Academy; suffers a season ending shoulder injury in pre-season.

CAREER STATS

2012

Makes Super Rugby debut off the bench in the Force’s 45-19 win over the Reds; starts at flyhalf for each of Australia Under 20’s matches during the IRB Junior World Championship. Signs a two-year contract with the Force for 2013 and 2014; finishes runner-up in the PG Hampshire Award; starts at flyhalf in Associates Grand Final win over Nedlands.

2013

Plays 14 matches for the Force; recognised as the most outstanding player with the inaugural Nathan Sharpe Medal, Members’ MVP and Rising Star Award.

2014

Plays 10 matches for the Force; suffers a season ending knee injury in Week 13; returns for the Perth Spirit in Round Two; selected in the Wallabies squads for Rugby Championship match against the Springboks, Bledisloe Test and for the Spring Tour.

2015

Starts in all 16 of the Western Force’s matches in the centres and is a standout performer as one of the Perth Spirit’s marquee players in the Buildcorp NRC.

Western Force: Caps

43

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

43

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

37 18

37 (5t, 2c, 2p)

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2012: 2013:

Caps Caps

3 14

Points Points

7 (1t, 1c) 20 (2t, 2c, 2p)

2014:

Caps

10

Points

5 (1t)

2015:

Caps

16

Points

5 (1t)

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PETER GRANT PROFILE

Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

186cm 89kg 15/08/1984 Durban, South Africa

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Flyhalf Maritzburg College Maritzburg College Club Ambassador (Stormers) 2006 v Cats

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Former Stormers and Springboks flyhalf, Peter Grant brings more than 10 seasons experience to the Force in 2016.

Having represented the Stormers for nine seasons, the five Test Springbok, nicknamed ‘Bash’, most recently played a season with French Top 14 club, La Rochelle, having also played four seasons with Japanese Top League club, the Kobelco Steelers.

The skilful veteran has proven himself to be a brilliant playmaker and prolific scorer, sitting seventh on the all-time scorers list with 866 Asteron Life Super Rugby points to his name. With a game based on calmness in decision making, eagerness to attack and consistent goal kicking, the ‘Sea of Blue’ have a lot to look forward to in 2016.

2006

Makes Super Rugby debut for the Stormers against the Cats as a 21 year old.

2007

After a standout second season for the Stormers Grant makes his test debut against the Wallabies in Sydney.

2008

Plays 13 matches, starting in 12 at flyhalf and scores 117 points.

2009

Plays 13 matches for the Stormers as well as six appearances for Western Province in the Currie Cup.

CAREER STATS

2010

Is an influential member of the Stormers runner-up finish after losing to the Bulls in the final. Playing and starting in 14 matches; scores 141-points.

2011

Plays 10 matches and helps the Stormers return to the semi-finals where they went down to the Crusaders. Signs with Japanese side, Kolbelco Steelers, making 13 appearances.

2012

Guides the Stormers to the semi-finals scoring 144 points in the season and returns to Japan to play 10 matches for Kolbelco Steelers.

2013

Plies his trade for another season in Japan with Kolbelco scoring 102-points in 11 games.

2014

Returns to the Stormers, earning his 100th Super Rugby cap against the Western Force in Cape Town.

2015

Signs with French Top 14 club, La Rochelle, plays 22 matches. Puts pen-to-paper with the Western Force in July, committing for two seasons.

Western Force: Caps

0

Super Rugby:

Caps

104 Points

866

Tests:

Caps

5

0

Points Points

0

24

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DANE HAYLETT-PETTY PROFILE #49 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

190cm 100kg 18/06/1989 Durban, South Africa

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Fullback Cottesloe Hale School Cottesloe 2008 v Chiefs

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Dane Haylett-Petty brings versatility, speed and power with ball in hand as well as a handy kicking game to the Western Force back three and was a standout performer for the Western Australian club in 2015. Extremely comfortable under the high ball, Haylett-Petty brings great security to the Western Force as their last line of defence and was exceptional in his 10 outings for the Western Australian side last season.

The Cottesloe product made his debut for the Western Force in 2008 before leaving to ply his trade with French Club Biarritz for three years and a brief stint in Japan before returning in 2014.

2007

Selected in the Western Australian state side for the National Championships; selected in the Australian ‘A’ Schoolboys; selected in the Australian Sevens.

2008

Signs with the Western Force, playing three matches; represents Australia at the IRB Junior World Championships where they finish fifth, scoring a record fourtry haul against Canada; selected in the Australian Sevens.

2009

Plays one match with the Western Force; selected again in the Australian IRB Junior World Championship squad, finishing fourth.

2010

Plays eight matches for the Force, scores his first try against the Hurricanes; signs with French club, Biarritz.

2011

Plays with French club Biarritz, finishing fifth in the Top 14 competition.

2012

Plays with French club Biarritz, earns his 50th club cap.

2013

Plays with Japanese club, Toyota Shokki Shuttles; signs with the Western Force for one season.

2014

Makes his first appearance for the Western Force at fullback in the 28-16 win over the NSW Waratahs; scores his first try in four years for the Force against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

2015

Makes 10 appearances for the Force and starts at fullback in younger brother Ross’ debut against the Stormers in Perth in Round 10.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

28

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

28

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

15 (3t) 18

15 (3t)

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2008: 2009:

Caps Caps

3 1

Points Points

0 0

2010:

Caps

5

Points

5 (1t)

2014:

Caps

9

Points

5 (1t)

2015:

Caps

10

Points

5 (1t)

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25

ROSS HAYLETT-PETTY PROFILE #131 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

197cm 110kg 10/01/1994 Durban, South Africa

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Lock / Flanker Cottesloe Hale School Cottesloe 2015 v Stormers

PROFILE Younger brother of Dane, Ross Haylett-Petty made his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in Round 10 last season when he came off the bench in the Force’s 13-6 loss to the Stormers in Perth and earned his second cap in Round 12 against the Blues in Auckland.

The powerful lock joined the Western Force’s Extended Playing Squad in 2015 following a standout year of rugby.

The Cottesloe product has come through RugbyWA’s development pathway representing Western Australia and the Australian Under 20’s at the IRB Junior World Championships. Haylett-Petty has made the switch from No.8 to lock seamlessly and was one of the Spirit’s most consistent performers in the 2015 Buildcorp NRC.

CAREER STATS

TIMELINE 2009

Represents Western Australia in the Under 16s.

Western Force: Caps

2

Points

0

2010

Represents Western Australia in the State Schoolboys.

Super Rugby:

Caps

2

Points

0

2011

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

Represents Western Australia in the State Schoolboys.

2014

Represents the Force A; represents Western Australia in the Combined States Under 20s; selected in the Australian Under 20 side for the IRB Junior World Championships in New Zealand, starting in every match and scoring a try in the 29-3 win over Italy; plays two matches with the Perth Spirit; signs with the Western Force as an Extended Playing Squad member.

2015

Makes Asteron Life Super Rugby debut coming off the bench for the Force against the Stormers in Perth in Round 10, earns second cap off the bench against the Blues in Auckland in Round 12. Represents Perth Spirit in Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2015:

Caps

2

Points

0

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CHRIS HEIBERG PROFILE #128 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

183cm 115kg 01/06/1985 Cape Town, South Africa

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Prop Western Province Wynberg Boys Perth Bayswater 2015 v Reds

PROFILE After two seasons with the Western Force as a Foreign Developing Player Chris Heiberg made his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut in Round two last year, coming off the bench against the Reds in Brisbane. The 30-year-old prop went on to play 14 matches for the Force in 2015 and earned his first start against the Force’s 13-11 win over the Rebels in the final round of the season.

The South African will look to build upon his 14 caps again this season after a strong showing for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

14

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

14

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0 00

0

0

TIMELINE 2010

Plays nine matches with the University of Cape Town Ikey Tigers; member of the UCT side that finishes runners-up in the Varsity Cup, losing to Maties (Uni of Stellenbosch), 17-14 in the final.

2013

Makes his debut for Western Province in the Vodacom Cup against the Sharks XV; adds a further six caps to his tally; signs with the Western Force.

2014

Plays with Perth Bayswater in the Pindan Premier Grade; plays eight matches with the Perth Spirit in the inaugural Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC).

2015

Makes debut for the Force off the bench in Round Two against the Reds in Brisbane; plays 15 matches in 2015 season; makes first start in Round 18.

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2015:

Caps

14

Points

0

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MATTHEW HODGSON PROFILE #7 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

185cm 103kg 25/06/1981 Sydney, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Back Row Avoca Beach Sharks St Edwards College Wanneroo 2006 v Brumbies

PROFILE

TIMELINE

After suffering a hamstring injury in a preseason match against the Asia Pacific Dragons, Hodgson missed the first 10 rounds of the 2015 season but returned in Round 11 to play a full 80 minutes against the Chiefs in fellow club legend and great mate, Pek Cowan’s 100 match for the Force. The hard-nosed flanker is a breakdown technician and the skipper’s uncompromising approach to the contest is an inspiration to his teammates.

Playing just seven games in 2015 Hodgson still cracked the top 40 in tackles for the entire competition with 108 tackles at a 91% success rate. Entering his 11th season Hodgson will again look to lead from the front.

2006

Starts at openside flanker in the Western Force’s inaugural match against the Brumbies; plays 12 matches; named the inaugural Force Man.

2007

Plays eight matches; wins Force Man award.

2008

Plays 10 matches for the Force, scores maiden Super Rugby try.

2009

Plays 13 matches; named Western Force Player of the Year; makes his Wallabies debut against the Barbarians; selected for the Wallabies’ Spring Tour.

2010

Earns 50th Force cap; named Western Force Player of the Year and Force Man; makes Test debut against Fiji; earns caps against England, New Zealand and Italy.

2011

Plays 13 matches for the Force; earns his first Test start against Samoa; adds a further cap against South Africa; called into the Wallabies’ World Cup squad; selected for Spring Tour; receives the RUPA Academic Award.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

120 Points

80 (16t)

Super Rugby:

Caps

120 Points

80 (16t)

Tests:

Caps

6

0

Points

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2006: 2007:

Caps Caps

12 8

Points Points

0 0

2008:

Caps

10

Points

5 (1t)

2012

2009:

Caps

13

Points

0

Plays 14 matches for the Force; named Club Captain for the 2013 season.

2010:

Caps

13

Points

10 (2t)

2013

2011:

Caps

13

Points

0

Plays 14 matches for the Force captaining the side and scoring two tries; named Force Man for the fourth time.

2012:

Caps

14

Points

10 (2t)

2014

2013:

Caps

14

Points

10 (2t)

2014:

Caps

16

Points

30 (6t)

First player to play 100 matches for the Force; selected in Wallabies’ Test series against France, The Rugby Championship and Spring Tour.

2015:

Caps

7

Points

15 (3t)

2015

Misses first 10 games through injury but returned to start in seven matches.

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OLIVER HOSKINS PROFILE #118 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

190cm 122kg 06/03/1993 Perth, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Prop Cottesloe Scotch College Cottesloe 2014 v Waratahs

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Oliver Hoskins continues to establish himself as one of the most promising young props in the country after yet another strong season for the Western Force in 2015. Hoskins backed up his impressive debut season with another 11 appearances for the Force last season.

The exuberant 22-year-old has quickly become a favourite with the Sea of Blue thanks to his hard work all over the park and team first mentality. The Cottesloe product rose through the ranks in RugbyWA’s development program representing the state at Under 14, Under 16 and Schoolboys sides before earning selection in the Australian Under 20 squad.

2010

Member of the Australia A Schoolboys squad; member of the RugbyWA Academy.

2012

Member of Western Force Training Squad for the pre-season; member of the RugbyWA Academy; plays six matches for Force A, including matches against the Australian Barbarians and Melbourne Rising; represents the Australian Under 20 side in three matches in the IRB Junior World Championship; starting prop for Manly who are knocked out of the preliminary finals by runners-up, Southern Districts.

2013

Member of the Western Force’s Wider Training Squad; starts off the bench in the Western Force’s 46-0 trial match win over Tonga Select XV; starting prop for the Australian Under 20 side in the IRB Junior World Championship; starting tighthead prop in the Cottesloe side that is defeated

by Nedlands, 20-14 in the Pindan Premier Grade grand final.

2014

Makes his Super Rugby debut in Week One against the NSW Waratahs; plays 15 matches in his debut Super Rugby season; plays all nine matches for the Perth Spirit during the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.

2015

Plays 11 matches for the Western Force and is a valuable contributor for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

26

Points

0

Super Rugby:

Caps

26

Points

0

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2014:

Caps

15

Points

0

2015:

Caps

11

Points

0

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KANE KOTEKA PROFILE #130 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

182cm 94kg 08/01/1994 Perth, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Flanker Wests Scarborough John Paul College Wests Scarborough 2015 v Hurricanes

PROFILE Kane Koteka burst onto the Asteron Life Super Rugby scene in 2015 immediately making a name for himself as one of the country’s most promising young backrowers. Koteka is the first talented youngster to graduate from the Future Force program to become a fully contracted member of the Western Force.

The Wests Scarborough product made his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut off the bench against the Hurricanes at nib Stadium in Round Three and went on to play 10 matches in his debut season on his way to collecting the club Rookie of the Year Award. After getting a taste for the top level last season Koteka is raring to sink his teeth into the 2016 season.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

10

Points

0

Super Rugby:

Caps

10

Points

0

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

TIMELINE 2011 2012 2013

Selected for the WA Schoolboys.

2014

Joins the Future Force program. Is selected in WA Under 20s side and subsequent Combined States side. Was a standout performer for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp NRC playing every match before a shoulder injury ruled him out of the grand final.

2015

Made his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut against the Hurricanes at nib Stadium.

Played 10 matches in a break-out season, taking out the Western Force’s Rookie of the Year Award along with Ryan Louwrens.

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2015:

Caps

10

Points

0

Selected to represent Perth Gold.

After standout performances for club and state teams was selected to represent Force ‘A’.

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BRAD LACEY PROFILE

Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

181cm 92kg 11/04/1994 Durban, South Africa

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Wing Wests Scarborough Canning Vale College Wests Scarborough N/A

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Brad Lacey is an outstanding young outside back prospect, who has graduated from the local development pathway into the Western Force. After two seasons in the Force’s Wider Training Squad, Lacey was promoted to the senior playing list in 2015 and was unlucky not to debut last Super season. The Wests Scarborough product’s incredible pace and knack for finding the line saw him recognised with selection in the Australian U20’s Junior World Championship selection in 2013 and 2014.

Lacey was a regular feature on the wing for the Spirit in the Buildcorp NRC and has his sights set on making his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut this season.

2011

Member of the Western Australia squad that contests the National Schoolboys Championship.

2012

Represents Force A against the Australian Barbarians and Melbourne Rising.

2013

Member of the Western Force’s Wider Training Squad; starts off the bench in the Western Force’s 46-0 trial match win over Tonga Select XV; scores a try in the 46-12 win over Fiji for the Australian Under 20 squad in the IRB Junior World Championship; a starting member of the Wests Scarborough backline that eventually succumbs to Cottesloe, 26-22, in the Pindan Premier Grade preliminary final.

2014

Member of the Western Force’s Wider Training Squad; plays all three matches for Force A in the Pacific Nations Cup; crosses for two tries in Western Australian’s Southern State Under 20 Championshipwinning campaign; plays all five matches for the Australian Under 20 side at the IRB Junior World Championship in New Zealand, crossing for three tries; plays three matches for Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship, crossing for one try.

2015

Promoted to the senior playing list; standout performer for Wests Scarborough in their runner-up finish in the Pindan Premier Grade; stars for the Perth Spirit on the wing throughout the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

0

Points

0

Super Rugby:

Caps

0

Points

0

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2014: 2015:

Caps Caps

0 0

Points Points

0 0

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JONO LANCE PROFILE

Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

183cm 92kg 27/06/1990 Canberra, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Flyhalf/ Fullback/Centre Central Coast The Southport School Club Ambassador (Reds) 2011 v Force

PROFILE With the ability to play at 10, 12, 13 and 15 and a brilliant kicking game, Jono Lance is a most welcomed addition in the Western Force outfit for the next two seasons. The former Australian Under 20 and Australian Sevens player made his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut for Queensland in their 2011 title-winning season and earned 21 caps for the Reds before joining the Waratahs in 2013. Canberra born Lance played nine-matches in the NSW side’s championship-winning campaign in 2014.

Lance joins the Force in stellar form after being named the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship Player of the Season thanks to his exploits for the NSW Country Eagles.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

0

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

33

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0 18

13

TIMELINE 2010

Member of Queensland Reds Academy; Represents Australia at Under 20 World Championships alongside Luke Morahan

2011

Represents Australia at World Sevens Series in Dubai before making his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut against the Force in Perth.

2012

Plays three matches for the Reds in his second season.

2013

Earns 13 caps for the Reds, scoring his maiden Super Rugby, before signing on to join the Waratahs.

2014

Joins the NSW Waratahs on a two-year deal. Used a valuable utlity member of the Waratahs strong backline, Lance plays nine matches in the side’s title-winning season.

2015

Plays two Super Rugby matches for the Waratahs, stars for the NSW Country Eagles in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship taking out the Player of the Season Award. Signs for the Western Force in May.

0

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RYAN LOUWRENS PROFILE #132 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

179cm 93kg 12/03/1991 Johannesburg, South Africa

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Scrumhalf Lions, South Africa MW Der Wet, South Africa Cottesloe 2015 v Chiefs

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Ryan Louwrens returns for his third year with the Force after a breakout season in 2015. After the heartbreak of rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament which ended his 2014 campaign, the 24-year old made the most of his opportunities last season. After patiently waiting for his chance Louwrens made his Asteron Super Life Super Rugby debut off the bench against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

The South African-born scrumhalf tallied seven caps after debuting in Round 11 and wasted no time getting his name on the scoreboard, scoring tries against the Blues in Auckland and in the Force’s victory over the Waratahs at nib Stadium. Louwrens will be looking to establish himself as a regular in the match day 23 for 2016.

2008 2009

Selected to join the Bankwest Academy.

2011 2012

Re-joins the Bankwest Academy.

2013

Earns another three caps with Force ‘A’; scores a try for the Western Force in the 46-0 trial match win over Tonga Select XV; signs with the Western Force in the Extended Playing Squad; scores a try in Cottesloe’s 20-14 Pindan Premier Grade grand final loss to Nedlands; finishes second in the tally for the PG Hampshire Award for best and fairest player in the Pindan Premier Grade.

2014

Plays both trial matches against Samoa and Pampas XV; starts in all three matches for Force A in the Pacific Rugby Cup, including a try against Junior Japan; suffers a season-ending knee injury in training with the Western Force.

2015

Plays seven matches for the Western Force, scoring two tries; plays four games for Cottesloe in the PINDAN Premier Grade; wins Western Force Rising Star award.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

7

Points

10 (2t)

Super Rugby:

Caps

7

Points

10

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2015:

Caps

7

Points

10 (2t)

Returns to South Africa and represents Valke at Craven Week Schoolboys tournament; plays in the Under 19 Currie Cup. Member of the Bankwest Academy; selected for three matches with Force ’A’.

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STEVE MAFI PROFILE #127 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

198cm 112kg 09/12/1989 Sydney, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Lock/ Flanker Parramatta Two Blues Westfields Sports High NSW Club Ambassador 2015 v Waratahs

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Steve Mafi was exceptional in his first season for the Force after making the move back to Asteron Life Super Rugby after a successful five year stint in England with the Leicester Tigers. Mafi earned 16 caps for the Force in his maiden season and was an instant hit with the ‘Sea of Blue’ with his devastating ball running ability earning the 26-yearold the Members MVP. The 17 test Tongan was kept busy during the Asteron Life Super Rugby off-season, proving a valuable contributor for Tonga in the Rugby World Cup. With the ability to play both lock and across the backrow, Mafi was invaluable for the Force in 2015 and is keen to bring his best again in 2016.

2007

Plays three matches for the Australian Schoolboys.

2008

Member of extended NSW Waratahs squad; represents Australian Under 20 side; plays two matches for the Australian Under 20s; selected for the Junior Waratahs’ Development Tour.

2009

Member of the extended NSW Waratahs squad; represents Parramatta in the Shute Shield.

CAREER STATS

2010

Member of the extended NSW Waratahs squad; makes Test debut for Tonga; joins English Premiership club, Leicester Tigers.

2011

Plays 26 matches for Leicester in his debut season for the Tigers.

2012

Makes 30 appearances for Leicester, scoring seven tries; voted the Aviva Premiership’s Player of the Month for March; scores a try in a man-of-the-match performance over Northampton; voted Leicester’s Players’ Player of the Year; plays six Tests for Tonga.

2013

Plays 19 matches for Leicester; comes off the bench in Leicester’s 37-17 Aviva Premiership final win over Northampton.

2014

Starts four matches for the Aviva Premiership; starts off the bench for Tonga against Fiji; signs with the Western Force; represents the Greater Sydney Rams in the Buildcorp NRC.

2015

Plays every game in his maiden season for the Force; named Western Force Members Most Valuable Player; represents Tonga in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Western Force: Caps

16

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

16

Points

Tests:

Caps

17

Points

5 (1t) 00

5 (1t)

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2015:

Caps

16

Points

5 (1t)

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SEMISI MASIREWA PROFILE

Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

184cm 95kg 09/06/1992 Taveuni, Fiji

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Fullback Morrinsville Feilding High School Wests Scarborough N/A

PROFILE Semisi Masirewa joins the Western Force on a two-year foreign developing-player contract after a stellar showing in New Zealand’s ITM Cup with the Manawatu Turbos.

Masirewa generated interest from New Zealand Asteron Life Super Rugby franchises the Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders before signing with the Force.

The Fijian-born 23-year-old is a dynamic fullback who loves to run the ball, and despite fracturing his ankle three games from the end of the ITM Cup season still ranked 13th in the competition for clean breaks, seventh for defenders beaten and had 84 carries for 596 metres.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

0

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

0

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0 18

0

0

TIMELINE 2014

Plays 11 matches for Waikato in the National Provincial Championship.

2015

Joins the Manawatu Turbos as a loan player, having an outstanding season before breaking his ankle three games from the end of the season. Rejects New Zealand offers to join Western Force on development contract for two season.

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ALBY MATHEWSON PROFILE #101 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

173cm 93kg 13/12/1985 Hastings, New Zealand

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Scrumhalf Celtic, NZ Hastings Boys High School Kalamunda (Hurricanes) 2007 v Reds

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Alby Mathewson is a feisty scrumhalf, who has become a cornerstone of the Western Force backline since his arrival at the club in 2013. The four-time capped All Black featured in 14 of the Force’s matches in 2015 with 11 of those in the starting lineup taking his career to a massive 122 Asteron Life Super Rugby caps, the second most at the club behind skipper Matt Hodgson.

With more than 100-caps under his belt the dynamic scrumhalf continues to prove a menace for opposition teams providing his backs with high quality ball and looking to exploit any space afforded to him at the base of the ruck.

2006

Represents New Zealand at the IRB Under 21 World Championship; named Wellington Club Player of the Year; named as an apprentice in the Wellington Lions squad; makes his National Provincial Championship debut for Wellington; plays in Wellington’s National Provincial Championship final.

2007

Makes Super Rugby debut for Hurricanes, playing 11 games; scores his maiden Super Rugby try.

2008

Plays 11 matches for the Hurricanes; called into the All Blacks Spring Tour squad; makes All Blacks debut.

2009

Plays 14 matches for the Hurricanes; plays two matches for the Junior All Blacks, signs with the Auckland Blues.

2010

Plays 13 matches for the Blues, crowned New Zealand Super 14 Player of the Year; makes Test debut for the All Blacks, against England.

2011

Plays 18 matches for the Blues; plays his 50th Super Rugby match; represents Auckland in the ITM Cup Premiership Division.

2012

Plays 16 matches for the Blues; helps lead Auckland to ITM Cup final; signs with the Force.

2013

Plays 16 matches for the Force; joins Hawkes Bay for ITM Cup.

2014

Plays nine matches for the Force; re-signs with the Force for two seasons.

2015

Plays 14 matches for the Force.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

39

Super Rugby:

Caps

122 Points

100 (20t)

Tests:

Caps

4

0

Points Points

15 (3t)

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2013: 2014: 2015:

Caps Caps Caps

16 9 14

Points Points Points

5 (1t) 5 (1t) 5 (1t)

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AMMON MATUAUTO PROFILE

Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

179cm 96kg 29/01/1986 Wellington, New Zealand

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Centre Northern United Mana College Associates N/A

PROFILE Ammon Matuauto joined the Western Force’s Wider Training Group in 2015 on the back of a standout season with the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC). Matuauto represented the South Island Maori side (2008) and Tasman Makos in the ITM Cup (2009) before moving to Perth in 2010.

Since arriving in Western Australia Matuauto has been a star for Associates in the Pindan Premier Grade and with another stellar season for the Perth Spirit under his belt has his sights set on an Asteron Life Super Rugby debut in 2016.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

0

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

0

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0 18

0

0

TIMELINE 2010 2013

Moves to Perth in 2010 and stars for Associates upon arrival in the Pindan Premier Grade.

2014

Brilliant Pindan Premier Grade form earned Matuauto a call-up to the Perth Spirit for the inaugural Buildcorp NRC, the centre back made seven appearances, scoring five tries.

2015

Joins the Western Force’s wider training group and represents the Perth Spirit in the NRC.

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BEN MCCALMAN PROFILE #59 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

192cm 106kg 18/03/1988 Dubbo, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Back Row/ Lock Macquarie Emus Kinross Walaroi School Kalamunda 2010 v Brumbies

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Ben McCalman returns for his seventh season with the Western Force after signing a three-year contract extension at the end of last season. McCalman was at his best yet again in 2015 collecting the club’s Nathan Sharpe Medal.

McCalman was an invaluable contributor for the Wallabies in the 2015 Rugby World Cup providing great impact off the bench as one of Michael Cheika’s best ‘finishers’. He was responsible for one of the most important moments of the Australian’s campaign, laying a massive try-saving tackle on Welsh centre, George North, that helped secure a Wallaby win and top spot in the ‘Pool of Death’.

Force fans can look forward to another season of abrasive rugby from ‘Dog’.

2005

Member of the NSW Schools National Schoolboys; selected for the Australian Schoolboys.

2006

Wins National Schoolboys Championships with NSW 1; selected for Australian Schoolboys tour.

2007

Starts at blindside for Australia in the IRB Under 19 World Championship in Ireland; Wins premiership with Sydney Uni Colts.

2008

Starts for the Australian Under 20s; starts in Sydney University’s Shute Shield grand final win.

2009

Represents Australia in IRB World Sevens Series; selected for the Wallabies’ Spring Tour train-on squad; signs with Force.

20 (4t)

2010

Makes Super Rugby debut, playing 13 matches; makes Test debut; earns Test run-on start in the Wallabies’ win over the Springboks; selected for the Spring Tour, starting in all four Tests.

2011

Plays 16 matches for the Force; plays seven matches in the Rugby World Cup.

2012 2013

Plays eight matches for the Force.

2014

Plays 14 matches for the Force; runner-up in the Nathan Sharpe Medal and awarded Geoff Stooke Award; plays three Tests in the Rugby Championship.

2015

Plays 15 matches for the Force; wins 2015 Nathan Sharpe Medal; plays in the Rugby World Cup.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

80

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

80

Points

Tests:

Caps

47

Points

45 (9t) 18

45 (9t)

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2010: 2011:

Caps Caps

13 16

Points Points

0 5 (1t)

2012:

Caps

8

Points

5 (1t)

2013:

Caps

14

Points

10 (2t)

2014:

Caps

14

Points

20 (4t)

2015:

Caps

15

Points

5 (1t)

Plays 14 matches for the Force; selected for the Rugby Championship and Spring Tours.

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GUY MILLAR PROFILE #133 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

186cm 117kg 23/04/1992 Cape Town, South Africa

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Prop The Kings School The Kings School Joondalup 2015 v Blues

PROFILE Prop Guy Millar joined the Western Force during the 2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby season following a season-ending injury to Francois van Wyk. The former Australian Schoolboy representative played four matches for the Force in 2015, before representing Southland in this year’s ITM Cup. Millar says making his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut this year has only spurred him on to push for more appearances next season.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

4

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

4

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0 18

0

0

TIMELINE 2014

Was a valuable member of Eastwood’s Shute Shield premiership winning side before signing with the Greater Sydney Rams for the inaugural Buildcorp NRC season.

2015

Joins the Force’s wider training group before debuting against the Blues in Round 11. Earns four Super Rugby caps in 2015 and represents Southland in the ITM Cup.

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2015:

Caps

4

Points

0

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LUKE MORAHAN PROFILE #116 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

189cm 95kg 13/04/1990 Brisbane, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Wing/ Fullback Colleges Rugby Club The Southport School Kalamunda (Reds) 2009 v Lions

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Luke Morahan is a classy outside back, who provides genuine pace to the Western Force backline. After an injury interrupted 2014 season ‘Mozza’ showed his true class for the Western Force in 2015, making 15 starts for the Western Australian club and scoring four tries.

With 68 Asteron Life Super Rugby caps to his name Morahan enters his eighth season buoyed by the arrival of former school mates and Queensland Reds teammates, Ben Tapuai and Jono Lance in the west. Morahan will be keen to link up with his great mates and use their chemistry to contribute to the Force this season.

2007 2008

Selected in the Australia A Schoolboys.

2009

Joins the Reds Academy; scores 27 tries for the Australian Sevens side during the 2008/09 season; makes his Super Rugby debut for the Reds.

2010

Plays six matches for the Reds; represents Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Rugby Sevens; selected in the Wallabies Spring Tour.

2011

Earns 12 caps for the Reds and adds a further six tries to his tally.

2012

Plays 17 matches for the Reds; selected in the Wallabies squad and makes his debut; influential in University’s second Queensland Premier Rugby trophy victory in three seasons.

2013

Plays nine matches for the Reds; selected in the Australian Sevens for the Rugby World Cup Sevens; signs with the Western Force for two seasons.

2014

Plays seven matches for the Western Force, scoring two tries; returns to the field for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship, playing five matches.

2015

Plays 15 matches for the Western Force, scoring four tries.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

22

Points

35 (7t)

Super Rugby:

Caps

68

Points

90 (18t)

Tests:

Caps

1

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2014:

Caps

7

Points

10 (2t)

2015:

Caps

15

Points

25 (5t)

Selected in the Australian Sevens; tours Europe with the Reds Development side.

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ALBERT NIKORO PROFILE

Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

174cm 98kg 07/08/1992 Auckland, New Zealand

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Wing/ Fullback Auckland Mt Albert Grammar Wests Scarborough (Blues) 2012 v Brumbies

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Albert Nikoro is a fleet-footed outside back, who joined the Western Force ahead of the 2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby season. The schoolboy talent, played five Asteron Life Super Rugby matches for the Blues over three seasons. The 23-year-old, who made his Super Rugby debut prior to his maiden ITM Cup performance, has previously represented Tasman and Auckland in the national provincial competition, before joining Waikato in 2014.

The studious Nikoro grew up playing rugby league but made the switch to rugby union at Auckland’s Mount Albert High School on the promise of one of his teachers that it would help access a higher maths class.

2009

Member of the New Zealand Schoolboys; fullback for the Mount Albert Grammar side that wins the Auckland Secondary Schools 1st XV championships.

2010

Starts at fullback for three Tests for New Zealand Schoolboys, including the 30-21 win over Australia in Dunedin; fullback for the Mount Albert Grammar side that wins the New Zealand Secondary Schools Top 4 competition.

2011

Undergoes a knee reconstruction on his right knee, following a pre-season injury with his club, Papatoetoe; ruled out of the ITM Cup season with Auckland.

2012

Makes his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in their 30-16 win over the Brumbies in Canberra; makes his ITM Cup debut for Tasman against Southland; plays five matches for Tasman, including the 41-34 Championship semi-final loss to Otago.

2013

Member of the Blues’ Wider Training Squad; makes a further four appearances for the Blues during the Super Rugby season; ruptures the ACL in his left knee, requiring a knee reconstruction.

2014

Member of the Blues’ Wider Training Squad; makes debut for Waikato in the ITM Cup; plays five matches for the Mooloos in the ITM Cup.

2015

Member of the Western Force extended squad; plays 13 matches for Wests Scarborough in the PINDAN Premier Grade; played six games for the Perth Spirit.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

0

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

5

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0 18

3 (1p)

0

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41

IAN PRIOR PROFILE #119 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

179cm 83kg 21/08/1990 Bundaberg, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Scrumhalf Redlands Rugby Club Ormiston College Nedlands (Reds) 2011 v Lions

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Ian Prior is a reliable scrumhalf who returns for his third season with the Western Force. Prior played 10 matches for the Western Force in 2015 and was also a valuable contributor for Pindan Premier Grade Champions, Nedlands, playing six matches during the season. Prior was a star for the Perth Spirit playing at scrumhalf and flyhalf in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC).

The super-boot kicked with incredible accuracy throughout the season going at a competition high 83%. Prior also set a Buildcorp NRC points scoring record tallying a massive 29 points against Queensland Country with a try and eight conversions.

2010

Called up to the Australian Under 20s after Western Australian, Justin Turner, is ruled out with a knee injury; comes off the bench in the 62-17 final loss to New Zealand.

2011

Debuts for the Reds in their Super Rugby championship-winning season, earning six caps; starts off the bench in the 1813 championship win; signs with the Brumbies for two seasons.

2012

Plays 13 games with the Brumbies; scores maiden Super Rugby try in the 36-34 loss to the Bulls.

2013

Plays 12 games with the Brumbies; starts off the bench in the Brumbies 27-22 Super Rugby final loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton; starts at scrumhalf in the Brumbies historic 14-12 win over the British & Irish Lions; signs with the Western Force until 2015.

2014

Makes Western Force debut against the Brumbies in Week Two; plays 15 matches for the Force, starting in eight; plays four matches for the Perth Spirit in the National Rugby Championship.

2015

Plays 10 matches for the Western Force; plays six matches for 2015 PINDAN Premier Grade Champions Nedlands; plays for Perth Spirit in Builcorp NRC.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

24

Points

0

Super Rugby:

Caps

56

Points

15 (1t, 5c)

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2014: 2015:

Caps Caps

15 9

Points Points

0 0

42

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SOLOMONI RASOLEA PROFILE #105 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

184cm 102kg 29/04/1991 Brisbane, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Centre Souths Anglican Church Grammar Cottesloe 2013 v Rebels

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Entering his fourth season of Asteron Life Super Rugby, Solomoni ‘Junior’ Rasolea continues to hone his craft as he looks to cement a spot in the Western Force backline. A former Fiji Under 20 representative Rasolea is a powerfullybuilt and elusive utility back providing coverage at inside and outside centre, as well as on the wing. The strong ball carrier added a further seven caps to his resume in 2015 with six run-on starts. The 24-year-old was a valuable contributor for Perth Spirit in the 2015 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship making five appearances for the Spirit. With some new faces in the backline this year Rasolea is intent on locking down a regular place in the line-up.

2007

Represents Queensland at the National Under 16 Championships.

2008

Represents Queensland II who finish fourth in the National Schoolboys Championships.

2009

Represents Queensland II at his second National Schoolboys Championships.

2010

Represents the Fiji Under 20 side that finishes eighth in the IRB Junior World Championship, losing to Wales 39-15 in the seventh/eighth play-off.

2011

Starting centre for the Fiji Under 20 side; member of the newSTAR side that defeats the Aussie Thunderbolts in the grand final of the Noosa Sevens; selected for the Australian Sevens side.

2012

An ankle injury disrupts his IRB World Sevens campaign; returns to the Australian Sevens side; represents GPS in Brisbane’s Hospital Cup.

2013

Debuts for Force, playing a total of 12 matches for the Western Force; represents Cottesloe in the Pindan Premier Grade.

2014

Starts at outside centre in the first six matches; a broken wrist suffered against Queensland rules him out for seven matches; re-signs with the Western Force until the end of 2016; plays four matches for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.

2015

Plays 10 matches for the Western Force; plays for the Perth Spirit in the Buildorp NRC.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

28

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

28

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

10 ( 2t) 18

10 ( 2t)

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2013:

Caps

12

Points

5 (1t)

2014:

Caps

9

Points

5 (1t)

2015:

Caps

7

Points

0

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43

TOM SEXTON PROFILE

Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

178cm 105kg 10/12/1989 Melbourne, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Hooker Suttonians RFC Belvedere College Leinster (Rebels) 2015 v Hurricanes

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Growing up in Ireland, former Leinster and Melbourne Rebels hooker Tom Sexton will bring six seasons of world rugby experience to the Force in 2016. A former Irish Schoolboys captain, Sexton played in the Ireland Under 19 and under 20 representative teams, before being offered an academy contract at Leinster. In 2013 Sexton came to Australia to join the Melbourne Rebels, however an ACL injury ruled him out of the entire 2014 Super Rugby season.

He will look to bring his hard, traditional Northern Hemisphere style of play to the Force and help anchor down the front row through his powerful scummaging and lock down defence.

2007

Plays in Leinster school junior cup medal with Belvedere; captains his school to a tenth senior cup win.

2008

Represents Ireland, playing in the Under 19 squad.

2009

Becomes a regular fixture in the Irish Under 20’s squad, collecting nine caps and scoring five points; represents Ireland in the 2009 World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Japan, captaining the side on one occasion.

2010

Plays for the Leinster ‘A’ Side in the British And Irish Cup competition.

2011

Makes his debut for the Leinster Senior Side on New Years’ Day against Connacht.

2013

Tom was a part of the All Ireland League winning side with Lansdowne FC.

2014

Signs with the Melbourne Rebels for 2014 season but sits out entire Asteron Life Super Rugby season through an ACL injury. Returns for the Melbourne Rising in Buildcorp NRC.

2015

Earns five caps for Rebels making his debut against the Hurricanes in Wellington. Signs with the Western Force for 2016 season along with NSW Country Eagles teammate, Jono Lance.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

0

Points

0

Super Rugby:

Caps

5

Points

0

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

44

LINE BREAK - SEASON GUIDE | 2016

BRYNARD STANDER PROFILE #117 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

190cm 97kg 27/04/1990 Durban, South Africa

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Flanker Coastal Sharks Westville Boys High School Nedlands 2014 v Waratahs

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Brynard Stander is a powerful, uncompromising loose forward who will be keen to make an impact in 2016 after being limited to just six matches for the Force in 2015 due to a shoulder injury. Stander made a resounding impression in his first season of Asteron Life Super Rugby with the Western Force in 2014, earning 14 caps and Stander is intent on forcing his way back to become a constant fixture in the Force line-up for 2016.

Durban-born Stander joined the Western Force having progressed through the Natal Sharks development pathway from the Under 16 level through to the Currie Cup, where he was a member of the Sharks’ 2013 Cup-winning squad.

2007

Member of the Kwazulu-Natal U18 side that finishes 11th at Craven Week.

2008

Member of the Kwazulu-Natal U18 side that finishes fourth at Craven Week; member of the Sharks U19 squad that wins the ABSA Under 19 Currie Cup, defeating Western Province 31-18 in the final.

2009

Member of the Sharks side that finishes fifth in the ABSA Under 19 Currie Cup.

2011

Represents the Sharks U19 that finishes runners-up in the ABSA Under 21 Currie Cup, losing to the Blue Bulls, 46-30 in the final.

2012

Makes his Currie Cup debut for the Sharks against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria; starting flanker for the Sharks XV that loses their Vodacom Cup quarter final, 37-36, to the Blue Bulls.

2013

Recognised as the Sharks’ Forward of the Year for the Vodacom Cup; member of the Sharks XV squad that wins Currie Cup, beating Western Province 33-19 in the final; signs for the Western Force for two years.

2014

Makes his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force; plays 14 matches for Force; plays for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp NRC.

2015

Plays six matches for the Force, sidelined for the majority of the season with a shoulder injury.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

20

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

20

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

5 (1t) 18

5 (1t)

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2014:

Caps

14

Points

5 (1t)

2015:

Caps

6

Points

0

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45

BEN TAPUAI PROFILE

Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

180cm 95kg 19/01/1989 Brisbane, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Centre Box Hill The Southport School Club Ambassador (Reds) 2009 v Crusaders

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Ben Tapuai is a dynamic player, capable at both inside and outside centre. The seven-time capped Wallaby joins the Western Force for the 2016 and 2017 seasons after seven successful seasons with Queensland Reds, including a title in 2011. The 26-year-old has made a name for himself as a powerful ball runner, sound distributer and deft kicker with his left boot.

An invaluable utility member, Tapuai will inject significant experience into a young Western Force backline, along with fellow recruits Peter Grant and Jono Lance. Tapuai’s try scoring ability was on full display when we bagged a double for the Barbarians against Samoa and will be keen to carry that form into the 2016 season.

2009

Made his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut for the Reds in 2009 against the Crusaders. Came off the bench to score a try with his first touch of the ball.

2010

Plays three matches for the Reds in his second season.

2011

Plays 10 matches for the Reds in their championship winning season.

Recognised as the Reds most improved player. Earns a place in the Wallabies Rugby Championship squad before being selected for the Spring Tour where he made his Test debut against Wales in Cardiff.

2012

Standout performer for the Reds through the first nine rounds before a collarbone injury saw him sidelined for 10 weeks.

2013

Featured in all but one of the Reds’ Super Rugby games and took on the might of the British & Irish Lions.

2014

Played in all 16 of the Reds’ games, earning his 50th Queensland cap against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

2015

Plays nine matches for the Queensland Reds along with two appearances for Brisbane City in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship before signing with the Force in July.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

0

Points

0

Super Rugby:

Caps

66

Points

40

Tests:

Caps

7

Points

0

46

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HEATH TESSMANN PROFILE #103 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

182cm 105kg 03/03/1984 Ayr, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Hooker Marochydore Swans St Peters Lutheran Collingwood Nedlands (Rebels) 2011 v Waratahs

PROFILE Heath Tessmann backed up with another consistent season in 2015 playing all 16 for the second consecutive season.

The industrious hooker was a source of continual impact off the bench, with his energy and work ethic all over the park lifting the team in times of need. Tessmann continued his impressive form through the Buildcorp NRC where he captained the side on five occasions and scored a try in the Round Seven clash with the NSW Country Eagles.

Tessmann tallied his 50th Asteron Life Super Rugby cap against the Waratahs in Round 13 last season and the veteran is intent on adding more high quality caps to his name this season.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

44

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

55

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

5 (1t) 18

5 (1t)

TIMELINE 2006 2009 2010

Plays for the University of Queensland.

2011

Joins Rebels in their inaugural year in the Super Rugby competition; makes his Super Rugby debut against the Waratahs, playing 10 matches.

2012 2013

Member of the Rebels squad.

2014

Plays all 16 matches for the Force; plays for the Perth Spirit before an ankle injury ends his season.

2015

Plays all 16 matches for the Force; Captains the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp NRC.

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2013:

Caps

13

Points

0

2014:

Caps

16

Points

0

2015:

Caps

15

Points

5 (1t)

Plays for the University of Queensland and is a member of the Hospital Cup winning side that defeats the Sunshine Coast Stingrays, 19-11.

Joins the Western Force Wider Training Squad; plays 13 games for the Force.

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FRANCOIS VAN WYK PROFILE #124 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

189cm 114kg 30/07/1991 Belville, South Africa

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Prop Gericke Primary School Boland Agricultural High UWA 2014 v Lions

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Francois van Wyk is a powerful front-rower who enters his third season with the Western Force. The South Africanborn 24-year-old will be keen to immerse himself in the Asteron Life Super Rugby season after his 2015 campaign was brutally cut short by a season ending pectoral injury against the Queensland Reds in his run-on debut in the second round of last season. Van Wyk returned to the field for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp NRC playing in six of the side’s eight matches. After debuting in 2014 for the Force in the back end of the season and having his 2015 season prematurely ended, van Wyk is primed for a breakout year in 2016.

2009

Selected at lock for the Western Province squad at Academy Week.

2011

Member of the Varsity Cup-winning UCT Ikey Tigers squad, playing all nine matches.

2012

Member of the UCT Ikey Tigers; vicecaptain of Western Province that finishes runners-up in the U21 Provincial Championship, losing 22-13 to the Blue Bulls in the final; named Western Province’s U21 Best Forward.

2013

Member of the Western Province side that finishes second in the U21 Provincial Championship, before losing to Natal, 1912, in the semi-final; plays two matches for Western Province in the Vodacom Cup.

2014

Member of the Western Force’s Wider Training Squad; makes his Super Rugby debut against the Lions in Perth; plays a further match off the bench against the Crusaders; member of the Pindan Premier Grade title-winning UWA squad, scoring three tries during the season.

2015

Member of the Western Force extended playing squad, playing two matches and scoring a try, then suffered a season ending pectoral injury; plays for Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp NRC.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

4

Points

5 (1t)

Super Rugby:

Caps

4

Points

5 (1t)

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2014: 2015:

Caps Caps

2 2

Points Points

0 5 (1t)

48

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RORY WALTON PROFILE #111 Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

195cm 111kg 11/04/1989 Canberra, Australia

RUGBY CAREER Position: Juniors: School: Senior Club: Super Rugby Debut:

Lock Coffs Harbour John Paul College West Scarborough 2013 v Crusaders

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Rory Walton is an abrasive lock who returns for his fourth season with the Western Force. While his Asteron Life Super Rugby opportunities were limited in 2015 with just one cap coming off the bench, the blond lock plied his trade for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.

Walton was a key figure in the Spirit set up taking part in six of the side’s eight matches with four games in the starting line-up.

The hardworking lock was keen to use the Buildcorp NRC to mount his case for more opportunities at Asteron Life Super Rugby level in 2016 and has been training hard in pre-season to push his case.

2007

Member of the premiership-winning Coffs Harbour side; selected for the NSW Country Under 19’s squad.

2008 2009 2010

Represents NSW Country Under 19.

2011

Member of the Australian Barbarians side; starts at lock for the NSW Country.

2012

Starting lock for Northern Suburbs; starting lock for the NSW Country; signs with the Western Force on an EPS contract.

2013

Debuts for the Western Force; adds a further seven caps to his tally; extends his EPS contract with the Western Force for a further year.

2014

Starts all three matches for Force A during the Pacific Rugby Cup; re-signs with the Western Force for a further two seasons; plays for Wests Scarborough in the Pindan Premier Grade; captains the Perth Spirit.

2015

Plays twelve matches for Wests Scarborough in the PINDAN Premier Grade; plays for the Perth Spirit in the Builcorp NRC.

CAREER STATS Western Force: Caps

9

Points

Super Rugby:

Caps

9

Points

Tests:

Caps

0

Points

0 18

0

0

WESTERN FORCE STATS 2013:

Caps

8

Points

0

2014:

Caps

0

Points

0

2015:

Caps

1

Points

0

Member of the Northern Suburbs Colts.

Member of the Brumbies Academy; plays his first season in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition with Northern Suburbs.

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MICHAEL FOLEY COACH PROFILE Nickname: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

Foles 07/06/1967 Sydney, Australia

COACHING CAREER 2001 2006 2009 2011 2012 -

2006: 2008: 2010: 2012: Present

Forwards Coach – Bath Assistant Coach – Wallabies Assistant Coach – NSW Waratahs Assistant Coach – NSW Waratahs Head Coach –Western Force

PROFILE

TIMELINE

Michael Foley leads the Western Force again in 2016 returning for his fourth season with the club. The club has been continuing to build on its foundations to see sustained success in the future and while it wasn’t the most successful season in 2015, the team is looking for a rapid improvement. Foley began his rugby career in Queensland rugby, playing 63 Super Rugby caps with the Reds, and was a 50 Test capped Wallaby. His coaching career began as Forward Coach with UK Premiership club, Bath in 2001 before returning to Australia in 2006 to join the Wallabies as Assistant Coach. He then joined the Waratahs as Assistant Coach before taking on the head coach role at the Force in 2012.

2001

Takes up Forwards Coach role with English club, Bath.

2004

Assistant Coach for the Bath side that is runner-up to London Wasps in the English Premiership, losing the final 10-6.

2005

Assistant Coach for the Bath side that finishes runner-up to Leeds, losing the final 20-12.

2006 2008

Assistant Coach for the Wallabies, including during their semi-final appearance at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.

2009 2010

Assistant Coach of the NSW Waratahs, including their semi-final appearance during the 2010 Super Rugby season.

2011

Coaching Coordinator for the NSW Waratahs side that progresses to the Super Rugby semi-finals before being beaten 26-13 by the Blues.

2012

Head Coach of the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby; signs with the Western Force.

2013

Head Coach of the Western Force; coaches the Force to its first Super Rugby win in Brisbane; coaches the Force to its best home record in five years.

2014

Head Coach of the Western Force; coaches the Force to its best season in the clubs history with most wins (9), most consecutive wins (5), most home wins (6), most consecutive home wins (5).

2015

Head Coach of the Western Force; three wins and thirteen losses.

PLAYING CAREER Position: School: State Debut: Super Rugby Debut: Test Debut:

Hooker St Patrick’s College, NSW 1991 (Reds) v Saitama 1996 (Reds) v Highlanders 1995 v Canada

50

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DAVID WESSELS SENIOR ASSISTANT COACH PROFILE

COACHING CAREER 2008 - 2009:

Defence Consultant – Stormers

2009 - 2011:

Assistant Coach – University of Cape Town (Ikeys)

2012:

Defence Consultant – Brumbies

2013:

Defence Consultant –Western Force

2014:

Joint Head Coach - Perth Spirit

2014 - Present:

Senior Assistsant Coach - Western Force

w

PROFILE Wessels enters his third year as Senior Assistant Coach with the Western Force and continues to drive the Perth sides’ imposing defensive game. He has a wealth of experience and rugby knowledge from three years with the University of Cape Town (UCT) as well as defensive consultancy stints with the Brumbies and Stormers.

KEVIN FOOTE BACKS & ATTACK COACH PROFILE

COACHING CAREER 2008 - 2010:

Assistant Coach – University of Cape Town (Ikeys)

2011 - 2013:

Head Coach – University of Cape Town (Ikeys)

2012: 2013:

Defence Consultant – Brumbies

2014:

Joint Head Coach – Perth Spirit

2014 - Present:

Backs Coach – Western Force

Defence Consultant –Western Force

PROFILE Foote joined the Western Force in a defensive consultant role in 2013 before the joining the side as the full term Backs Coach in 2014. His experience and knowledge of the game comes as a former player and he was the Assistant Coach for the UCT Ikey Tigers before taking on the head coach role in 2011.

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51

TRANSPORT GETTING TO THE FORCE FIELD (nib Stadium)

TRAIN Catch the train then it’s just a short walk to nib Stadium. It’s FREE! • • • •

Claisebrook Station is 300m from Gate 4 McIver Station is 600m from Gate 3 East Perth Station is 700m from Gate 1 Perth Station is 1000m from Gate 3

BUS The following bus services currently operate to and from nib Stadium along Lord Street and Beaufort Street. It’s FREE! Lord Street: • Route 41: Bayswater - Perth • Route 42: Maylands - Perth • Route 43: Bayswater - Perth • Route 47: Bayswater - Perth • Route 48: Morley Bus Station - Perth • Route 55: Bassendean - Perth.

These services appear on the Eastern 103 timetable.

Beaufort Street: • Route 66: Morley Bus Station - Perth (Limited Stops) • Route 67: Mirrabooka Bus Station - Perth • Route 68: Mirrabooka Bus Station - Perth These services appear on the Eastern 106 timetable.

•

Route 950: Morley Bus Station - QEII Medical Centre

This service appears on the Eastern 202 timetable.

Routes 16 (Dianella - Perth) and 60 (Morley Bus Station - Perth) are also available on Brisbane Street west of Beaufort Street (Stop Number 12941) when travelling away from Perth, and drop off on Beaufort Street north of Brisbane Street (Stop Number 12173) when travelling towards Perth. These services appear on the Eastern 102 timetable.

CAR Parking around nib Stadium is very limited with most areas restricted to residents only. There are nearby parking blocks towards the Bulwer Street end of Beaufort Street and Stirling Street.

TAXI There is a taxi rank located on Bulwer Street - exit Gate 1 or 4.

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DEBUTS & CAPS

No.

NAME

DATE & OPPONENT

1

Hardy, Gareth

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

2

Cannon, Brendan

3

Fitter, David

4

CAPS

No.

NAME

DATE & OPPONENT

CAPS

29

46

Tatupu, Josh

Feb 29 2008 v Lions

13

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

18

47

O'Connor, James

Apr 18 2008 v Reds

38

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

10

48

Longbottom, Kieran

May 3 2008 v Chiefs

57

Welborn, John

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

10

49

Haylett-Petty, Dane *

May 3 2008 v Chiefs

28

5

Sharpe, Nathan

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

92

50

Castle, Ben

Feb 20 2009 v Cheetahs

11

6

Doherty, Luke

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

24

51

Valentine, Josh

Feb 20 2009 v Cheetahs

12

7

Hodgson, Matt *

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

113

120

Stanford, Richard

Feb 28 2009 v Brumbies

11

8

Fava, Scott

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

34

53

Whittaker, Ben

Apr 24 2009 v Lions

32

9

Henjak, Matt

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

24

54

Henderson, Nic

Feb 12 2010 v Brumbies

8

10

Daruda, Scott

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

13

55

Dunning, Matt

Feb 12 2010 v Brumbies

21

11

Ioane, Digby

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

20

56

Sheehan, Brett

Feb 12 2010 v Brumbies

43

12

MacKay, Lachlan

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

9

57

Harris, Sam

Feb 12 2010 v Brumbies

9

13

Pelesasa, Junior

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

24

58

Fairbrother, Tim

Feb 12 2010 v Brumbies

23

14

Staniforth, Scott

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

45

59

McCalman, Ben *

Feb 12 2010 v Brumbies

80

15

Hilgendorf, James

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

15

60

Inman, Mitch

Feb 12 2010 v Brumbies

19

16

McIsaac, Tai

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

52

61

Tyrrell, Ryan

Feb 20 2010 v Hurricanes

4

17

Te Moana, David

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

7

62

Jones, Luke

Feb 20 2010 v Hurricanes

2

18

Pusey, David

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

29

63

Hunt, Stefano

Feb 20 2010 v Hurricanes

1

19

Brown, Richard

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

89

64

Rapana, Joelin

Feb 20 2010 v Hurricanes

20

O'Young, Chris

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

46

65

Bartholomeusz, Mark

Feb 27 2010 v Chiefs

10

21

Graham, Josh

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

14

66

Hill, David

Mar 14 2010, v Reds

9

22

Shepherd, Cameron

Feb 10 2006 v Brumbies

60

67

Jenkins, Jono

Mar 14 2010 v Reds

6

23

Davidson, Tim

Feb 18 2006 v Hurricanes

5

68

Postal, Ted

Mar 27 2010 v Bulls

1

24

James, Brock

Feb 18 2006 v Hurricanes

10

69

Swanepoel, Mark

Mar 27 2010 v Bulls

4

25

Sare, Haig

Feb 18 2006 v Hurricanes

33

70

Charles, Nathan *

Apr 2 2010 v Stormers

76

26

Mailata, Tajhon

Feb 24 2006 v Chiefs

1

71

Turner, Justin

Apr 2 2010 v Stormers

11

27

O'Connor, Pat

Mar 17 2006 v Waratahs

8

72

Fairbanks, Gene

Feb 20 2011 v Reds

8

28

Cowan, Pekahou *

Mar 17 2006 v Waratahs

105

73

Smith, David

Feb 20 2011 v Reds

15

29

Scott, Angus

Mar 25 2006 v Bulls

16

74

Mafi, Alfie

Feb 20 2011 v Reds

38

30

DeBartolo, Gavin

Mar 25 2006 v Bulls

4

75

Sidey, Rory

Feb 20 2011 v Reds

20

31

Vedelago, Rudi

Apr 8 2006 v Highlanders

14

76

Metuisela, Tevita

Mar 5 2011 v Sharks

7

32

Pocock, David

May 12 2006 v Sharks

63

77

Dellit, Patrick

Mar 19 2011 v Lions

37

33

Holmes, Luke

May 12 2006 v Sharks

23

78

Brandon, Matt

Mar 19 2011 v Lions

1

34

Takiari, Troy

Feb 2 2007 v Highlanders

26

79

Sefanaia, Brian

Mar 26 2011 v Stormers

1

35

Giteau, Matt

Feb 2 2007 v Highlanders

37

80

Ripia, Willie

Apr 9 2011 v Waratahs

36

Cross, Ryan

Feb 2 2007 v Highlanders

49

81

Faulkner, Tetera *

Jun 17 2011 v Rebels

45

37

Mitchell, Drew

Feb 2 2007 v Highlanders

38

82

Ma'afu, Salesi

Feb 2, 2012 v Brumbies

22

38

Whalley, AJ

Mar 9 2007 v Hurricanes

27

83

Lynn, Toby

Feb 24 2012 v Brumbies

30

39

McGrath, Jon

April 7 2007 v Crusaders

2

84

Nalaga, Napolioni

Feb 24 2012 v Brumbies

3

40

Hockings, Tom

Febr 15 2008 v Sharks

42

85

Stanley, Winston

Feb 24 2012 v Brumbies

20

41

Cummins, Nick

Feb 15 2008 v Sharks

69

86

Wara, Samu

Feb 24 2012 v Brumbies

5

42

Timani, Sitaleki

Feb 15 2008 v Sharks

3

87

Taione, Elvis

Feb 24 2012 v Brumbies

2

43

Stannard, James

Feb 15 2008 v Sharks

28

88

Cottrell, Angus *

Feb 24 2012 v Brumbies

43

44

Wykes, Sam

Feb 22 2008 v Cheetahs

74

89

Seymour, Ben

Mar 3 2012 v Reds

5

45

Horua, Tamaiti

Feb 22 2008 v Cheetahs

19

90

Battye, Phoenix

Mar 3 2012 v Reds

12

1

7

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53

DEBUTS & CAPS

No.

NAME

DATE & OPPONENT

91

Tupou, Will

Mar 17 2012 v Waratahs

13

92

Harvey, David

Mar 17 2012 v Waratahs

5

93

Godwin, Kyle *

Mar 31 2012 v Reds

43

94

Holmes, Josh

Apr 6 2012 v Chiefs

2

95

Manu, Salesi

Apr 28 2012 v Stormers

9

96

McCaffrey, Lachlan

May 5 2012 v Cheetahs

7

97

Atkins, Oliver

Jul 7 2012 v Blues

2

98

Koliavu, Anare

Jul 7 2012 v Blues

1

99

Smith, Ruan

Jul 7 2012 v Blues

2

100

Alcock, Chris *

Feb 15 2013 v Rebels

26

101

Mathewson, Alby *

Feb 15 2013 v Rebels

39

102

Christie, Sam

Feb 15 2013 v Rebels

4

103

Tessmann, Heath *

Feb 15 2013 v Rebels

44

104

Ebersohn, Sias

Feb 15 2013 v Rebels

29

105

Rasolea,Solomoni *

Feb 15 2013 v Rebels

28

106

McMeniman, Hugh

Feb 23 2013 v Kings

13

107

Snowden, Mick

Feb 23 2013 v Kings

5

108

Hayward, Jayden

Mar 2 2013 v Bulls

10

109

Norton-Knight, Sam

Mar 31 2013 v Waratahs

8

110

Stubbs, Ed

Apr 13 2013 v Crusaders

3

111

Walton, Rory *

Apr 13 2013 v Crusaders

9

112

Hilterbrand, James

Apr 27 2013 v Brumbies

2

113

Jacobs, Ben

May 4 2013 v Reds

6

114

Steenkamp, Wilhelm

Feb 23 2014 v Waratahs

14

115

Holmes, Zack

Feb 23 2014 v Waratahs

13

116

Morahan, Luke *

Feb 23 2014 v Waratahs

22

117

Stander, Brynard *

Feb 23 2014 v Waratahs

20

118

Hoskins, Oliver *

Feb 23 2014 v Waratahs

26

119

Prior, Ian *

Mar 1 2014 v Brumbies

24

120

Coleman, Adam *

Mar 8 2014 v Rebels

26

121

Brache, Marcel *

Mar 8 2014 v Rebels

24

122

Tuatara-Morrison, Christopher

Apr 12 2014 v Waratahs

10

123

Burton, Luke *

May 17 2014 v Stormers

18

124

van Wyk, Francois *

May 24 2014 v Lions

4

125

Leyds, Dillyn

May 30 2014 v Crusaders

3

126

Hodson, Ryan

May 30 2014 v Crusaders

1

127

Mafi, Steve *

Feb 15 2015 v Waratahs

16

128

Heiberg, Chris *

Feb 21 2015 v Reds

14

129

Scott, Mitchell

Feb 21 2015 v Reds

4

130

Koteka, Kane *

Feb 27 2015 v Hurricanes

10

131

Haylett-Petty, Ross *

Apr 18 2015 v Stormers

2

132

Louwrens, Ryan *

Apr 24 2015 v Chiefs

7

133

Millar, Guy *

May 2 2015 v Blues

4

*Current Player

CAPS

54

LINE BREAK - SEASON GUIDE | 2016

LINE BREAK - SEASON GUIDE | 2016

55

WESTERN FORCE STATS

SEASON STATS

CAPS AS A CAPTAIN

SEASON

PLAYED

WON

LOST

DRAWN

TRIES

FOR

AGAINST

FINISHED

NO.

CAPTAIN

2006

13

1

10

2

26

223

373

14th

78

Nathan Sharpe

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 TOTALS

13 13 13 13 16 16 16 16 16 145

6 7 6 4 5 3 4 9 3 48

6 6 6 9 9 13 11 7 13 90

1 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 7

28 26 42 24 25 30 26 37 28 292

276 247 328 258 333 306 267 343 245 2216

292 278 275 364 416 440 366 393 384 2822

7th 8th 8th 13th 12th 14th 13th 8th 15th -

36

Matt Hodgson

15

David Pocock

9

Sam Wykes

3

Pek Cowan

1

Brett Sheehan

1

Brendan Cannon

1

Scott Staniforth

1

Matt Giteau

MOST POINTS

HIGHEST SCORE GAME

OPPONENT

VENUE

YEAR

SCORE

Home

Lions

Subiaco

2009

55-14

Away

Highlanders

Queenstown

2010

41-27

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN GAME

OPPONENT

VENUE

YEAR

SCORE

Home Away

Lions Stormers

Subiaco Cape Town

2009 2007

55-14 22-3

LONGEST WINNING STEAK

NO.

PLAYER

367

Cameron Shepherd

306

James O’Connor

293

Matt Giteau

212

Sias Ebersohn

122

Jayden Hayward

MOST POINTS IN A GAME NO.

PLAYER

25

Cameron Shepherd (2007 v Bulls, Pretoria)

23

David Hill (2010 v Lions, Johannesburg)

LENGTH

YEAR

OPPONENTS

23

Cameron Shepherd (2007 v Reds, Perth)

5 Matches

2014

Reb, Hig, Chi, Red, War

21

Matt Giteau (2007 v Chiefs, Hamilton)

20

David Harvey (2012 v Reds, Perth)

20

James O’Connor (2011 v Reds, Brisbane)

MOST CAPS NAME

DEBUT

Matt Hodgson*

Feb 10 2006

v

Brumbies

120

CAPS

MOST POINTS IN A SEASON

Pek Cowan*

Mar 17 2006

v

Waratahs

105

SEASON

PLAYER

POINTS

Nathan Sharpe

Feb 10 2006

v

Brumbies

92

Richard Brown

Feb 10 2006

v

Brumbies

89

2011

James O’Connor

170

2009

Matt Giteau

128

Sam Wykes

Feb 22 2008

v

Cheetahs

87

2006

Cameron Shepherd

121

Nick Cummins

Feb 15 2008

v

Sharks

87

2014

Sias Ebersohn

117

Ben McCalman*

Feb 12 2010

v

Brumbies

80

2007

Cameron Shepherd

115

Nathan Charles*

Apr 2 2010

v

Stormers

76

David Pocock

May 12 2006

v

Sharks

69

Cameron Shepherd

Feb 10 2006

v

Brumbies

60

LINE BREAK - SEASON GUIDE | 2016

56

WESTERN FORCE STATS

MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES

MOST TRIES IN A SEASON

YEAR

PLAYER

#OF GAMES

TRIES

PLAYER

YEAR

2008 - 2011

Nathan Sharpe

53

9

Scott Staniforth

2006

2006 - 2009

Tai McIsaac

52

7

Nick Cummins

2014

2010 - 2013

Nathan Charles

44

7

Cameron Shepherd

2006, 2007, 2009

2008 - 2011

Matt Hodgson

35

6

Matt Hodgson

2014

2014 - 2015

Heath Tessmann

32

5

Luke Morahan

2015

2010 - 2012

Ben McCalman

31

5

David Smith

2011

2007 - 2009

Richard Brown

30

5

James O’Connor

2009

2013 - 2014

Matt Hodgson

28

5

Scott Staniforth

2009

2013 - 2014

Pek Cowan

25

RESULTS AGAINST OPPOSITION MOST TRIES NO.

PLAYER

28 18 15 16 10

Cameron Shepherd Scott Staniforth Ryan Cross Matt Hodgson Nick Cummins

MOST TRIES IN A GAME TRIES

PLAYER

POINTS

3

Nick Cummins

2014 v Waratahs, Perth

3

Cameron Shepherd

2009 v Brumbies, Canberra

3

Scott Staniforth

2006 v Cats, Johannesburg

TEAM

PLAYED

WON

LOST

DRAW

WIN %

Blues

9

1

7

1

11%

Brumbies

15

4

10

1

27%

Bulls

9

4

5

0

44%

Cheetahs

9

5

4

0

56%

Chiefs

9

2

7

0

22%

Crusaders

9

2

5

2

22%

Highlanders

9

6

3

0

67%

Hurricanes

9

1

8

0

11%

Kings

1

0

1

0

0%

Lions/Cats

8

6

1

1

75%

Rebels

10

3

7

0

30%

Reds

15

6

8

1

43%

Sharks

9

1

8

0

11%

Stormers

9

2

7

0

22%

Waratahs

15

5

9

1

36%

TOTALS

145

48

90

7

35%

LINE BREAK - SEASON GUIDE | 2016

57

WESTERN FORCE HONOUR ROLL

THE NATHAN SHARPE MEDAL

COACH / CAPTAIN

SEASON

PLAYER

SEASON

COACH

CAPTAIN

2015

Ben McCalman

2015

Michael Foley

Matt Hodsgon

2014 2013

Matt Hodgson Kyle Godwin

2014

Michael Foley

Matt Hodsgon

2013

Michael Foley

Matt Hodsgon

2012

Richard Graham - Phil Blake

David Pocock

PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

2011

Richard Graham

Nathan Sharpe

SEASON

PLAYER

2010

John Mitchell

Nathan Sharpe

2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

David Pocock David Smith Matt Hodgson Matt Hodgson Ryan Cross Matt Giteau Scott Stainforth

2009

John Mitchell

Nathan Sharpe

2008

John Mitchell

Nathan Sharpe

2007

John Mitchell

Nathan Sharpe

2006

John Mitchell

Nathan Sharpe

GEOFF STOOKE / FORCE MAN AWARD SEASON

PLAYER

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

Ben McCalman Ben McCalman & Sam Wykes Matt Hodgson Toby Lynn Kieran Longbottom Matt Hodgson Pek Cowan David Pocock Matt Hodgson Matt Hodgson

INDIVIDUAL HONOURS SEASON

PLAYER

2014

Nick Cummins - RUPA Medal of Excellence

2010

David Pocock - John Eales Medal David Pocock - Wallabies People’s Choice Award James Stannard - Australian Sevens Player of the Year Award Nathan Sharpe - John Eales Medal

2007

WESTERN FORCE WALLABIES NAME

DEBUT

Scott Staniforth

1999 v USA, Limerick

Nathan Sharpe

2002 v France, Melbourne

Matt Giteau

(2002 v England, London

Drew Mitchell

(2005 v South Africa, Sydney

Scott Fava

(2005 v England, London

Tai McIsaac*

(2006 v England, Sydney

Cameron Shepherd*

(2006 v England, Sydney

Digby Ioane*

(2007 v Wales, Brisbane

Ryan Cross*

(2008 v France, Sydney

Richard Brown*

(2008 v New Zealand, Brisbane

David Pocock*

(2008 v New Zealand, Hong Kong

James O’Connor*

(2008 v Italy, Padova

Pek Cowan*

(2009 v Italy, Melbourne

Matt Hodgson*

(2010 v Fiji, Canberra

Ben McCalman*

(2010 v South Africa, Brisbane

Brett Sheehan

(2006 v South Africa, Johannesburg)

MEMBERS’ MOST VALUED PLAYER AWARD

Nick Cummins

(2012 v Argentina, Rosario

SEASON

PLAYER

Hugh McMeniman

(2005 v Samoa, Sydney

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Steve Mafi Nick Cummins Kyle Godwin Nick Cummins James O’Connor Nathan Sharpe David Pocock

Nathan Charles*

(2014 v France, Melbourne

Tetera Faulkner*

(2014 v Wales, Cardiff

RISING STAR AWARD SEASON

PLAYER

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Kane Koteka and Ryan Louwrens Adam Coleman Kyle Godwin Salesi Manu Partick Dellit Ben McCalman James O’Connor

PLAYER’S PLAYER AWARD SEASON

PLAYER

2008

Nathan Sharpe

*Made their Wallabies debut as a Western Force player

58

LINE BREAK - SEASON GUIDE | 2016

TEAM PROFILES SUPER RUGBY

BLUES

Auckland, New Zealand

Captain:

Jerome Kaino

Coach:

Tana Umaga

SQUAD LIST:

Home Ground: Eden Park Capacity:

50,000

Best Finish:

1st (1997, 1998 & 2003)

2015 Finish:

14th

Debut:

1996

Josh Bekhuis, Dan Bowden, Matt Duffie, Joe Edwards, TJ Faiane, Charlie Faumuina, Piers Francis, Blake Gibson, Billy Guyton, Bryn Hall, Akira Ioane, Jerome Kaino, Ben Lam, Tevita Li, Michael Little, Steven Luatua, Quentin MacDonald, Sione Mafileo, Hoani Matenga, Nic Mayhew, Matt McGahan, George Moala, Matt Moulds, Melani Nanai, Sam Nock, James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Kara Pryor, Jack Ram, Rene Ranger, Scott Scrafton, Jordan Trainor, Gerrard TuiotiMariner, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Lolagi Visinia, Namatahi Waa, Ihaia West.

PAST RESULTS

BRUMBIES Canberra, Australia

Round 12 2015 - May 2

Blues 41 - Western Force 24

Auckland

Round 17 2014 - Jun 28

Western Force 14 - Blues 40

Perth

Round 17 2012 - Jul 7

Blues 32 - Western Force 9

Auckland

Round 4 2011 - Mar 12

Western Force 22 - Blues 22

Perth

Round 10 2010 - Apr 17

Blues 38 - Western Force 17

Auckland

Round 1 2009 - Feb 13

Western Force 19 - Blues 25

Perth

Round 5 2008 - Mar 15

Blues 17 - Western Force 27

North Harbour

Round 14 2007 - May 4

Western Force 6 - Blues 33

Auckland

Round 10 2006 - Apr 14

Blues 39 - Western Force 8

Perth

SQUAD LIST:

Captain:

Stephen Moore

Coach:

Stephen Larkham

Home Ground: Canberra Stadium Capacity:

25,000

Best Finish:

1st (1997, 1998 & 2003)

2015 Finish:

6th

Debut:

1996

Robbie Abel, Nigel Ah Wong, Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Albert Anae, Rory Arnold, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter, Robbie Coleman, Tomás Cubelli, James Dargaville, Michael Dowsett, Blake Enever, Scott Fardy, Rodney Iona, Nick Jooste, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Les Makin, Joshua Mann-Rea, Stephen Moore, David Pocock, Joe Powell, Scott Sio, Jordan Smiler, Andrew Smith, Ruan Smith, Henry Speight, Tom Staniforth, Lausii Taliauli, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Aidan Toua, Ita Vaea, Michael Wells.

PAST RESULTS Round 4 2015 - Mar 6 Round 17 2015 - Jun 5 Round 3 2014 - Mar 21

Brumbies 27 - Western Force 15 Western Force 20 - Brumbies 33 Western Force 14 - Brumbies 27

Canberra Perth Perth

Round 19 2014 - Jul 11 Round 20 2013 - Jul 13 Round 11 2013 - Apr 27 Round 16 2012 - Jun 30 Round 1 2012 - Feb 24 Round 14 2011 - May 21 Round 9 2011 - Apr 17 Round 1 2010 - Feb 12 Round 3 2009 - Feb 28 Round 14 2008 - May 16 Round 12 2007 - Apr 20 Round 1 2006 - Feb 10

Brumbies 47 - Western Force 25 Western Force 21 - Brumbies 15 Brumbies 41 - Western Force 7 Western Force 27 - Brumbies 28 Brumbies 19 - Western Force 17 Western Force 13 - Brumbies 13 Brumbies 19 - Western Force 27 Western Force 15 - Brumbies 24 Brumbies 16 - Western Force 25 Western Force 5 - Brumbies 22 Brumbies 14 - Western Force 12 Western Force 5 - Brumbies 25

Canberra Perth Canberra Perth Canberra Perth Canberra Perth Canberra Perth Canberra Perth

LINE BREAK - SEASON GUIDE | 2016

59

TEAM PROFILES SUPER RUGBY

BULLS

Pretoria, South Africa

Bloemfontein, South Africa

SQUAD LIST:

Captain:

Adriaan Strauss

Coach:

Nollis Marais

Home Ground:

Loftus Versfeld

Capacity:

51,000

Best Finish:

1st (2009 & 2010)

2015 Finish:

9th

Debut:

1996

PAST RESULTS

CHEETAHS

Bjorn Basson, Arno Botha, Francois Brummer, Clyde Davids, Nick de Jager, Corniel Els, JJ Engelbrecht, Warrick Gelant, Lizo Gqoboka, Dean Greyling, Grant Hattingh, Irne Herbst, Travis Ismaiel, JT Jackson, Jason Jenkins, Jesse Kriel, Daniel Kriel, Werner Kruger, Lappies Labuschagne, Hanro Liebenberg, Kafense Mahlo, Bandise Maku, Duncan Matthews, Nqoba Mxoli, Freddy Ngoza, Trevor Nyakane, Luther Obi, Burger Odendaal, Jannes Kirsten, Marvin Orie, Rudy Paige, Handre Pollard, Le Roux Roets, Divan Rossouw, Tian Schoeman, Pierre Schoeman, Jan Serfontein, Roelof Smit, RG Snyman, Joshua Stander, Ruan Steenkamp, Deon Stegmann, Jade Stigling, Adriaan Strauss, Dries Swanepoel, Entienne Swanepoel, Jamba Ulengo, Morne Mellett, Marcel van der Merwe, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Nicholaas Janse van Rensburg, Ivan van Zyl, Piet van Zyl, Callie Visagie, Jaco Visagie

Round 6 2015 - Mar 21

Bulls 25 - Western Force 24

Pretoria

Round 11 2014 - Apr 26

Western Force 15 - Bulls 9

Perth

Round 3 2013 - Mar 2

Bulls 36 - Western Force 26

Pretoria

Round 10 2011 - Apr 23

Western Force 26 - Bulls 21

Perth

Round 7 2010 - Mar 27

Western Force 15 - Bulls 28

Perth

Round 12 2009 - May 2

Bulls 32 - Western Force 29

Pretoria

Round 8 2008 - Apr 4

Western Force 15 - Bulls 14

Perth

Round 3 2007 - Feb 16

Bulls 27 - Western Force 30

Pretoria

Round 7 2006 - Mar 25

Western Force 21 - Bulls 30

Perth

SQUAD LIST:

Captain:

Francois Uys

Coach:

Franco Smith

Home Ground:

Free State Stadium

Capacity:

48,000

Best Finish:

6th (2013)

2015 Finish:

12th

Debut:

2006

Justin Basson, Ryno Benjamin, Clayton Blommetjies, Tienie Burger, Willie Britz, Johan Coetzee, Luan de Bruin, Lood de Jager, Maphutha Dolo, Jacques du Toit, Joseph Dweba, Sias Ebersohn, Joubert Engelbrecht, Reinhardt Erwee, Elandre Huggett, Reniel Hugo, Niell Jordaan, Armandt Koster, Tertius Kruger, Nico Lee, Hilton Lobberts, Niel Marias, Steven Meiring, Tian Meyer, Danie Mienie, Zee Mkhabela, Oupa Mohoje, Uzair Cassiem, Teunis Nieuwoudt, Gerhard Olivier, Sergeal Petersen, Boom Prinsloo, Niel Rautenbach, Raymond Rhule, Willem Serfontein, Paul Schoeman, William Small-Smith, JP Smith, BG Uys, Francois Uys, Michael van der Spuy, Maks van Dyk, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Ruan van Rensburg, Coenie van Wyk, Francois Venter, Henco Venter, Shaun Venter, Dennis Visser, Carl Wegner and Fred Zeilinga.

PAST RESULTS Round 9 2015 - Apr 11

Cheetahs 24 - Western Force 15

Bloemfontein

Round 13 2014 - May 10

Cheetahs 16 - Western Force 23

Bloemfontein

Round 6 2013 - Mar 23

Western Force 10 - Cheetahs 19

Perth

Round 11 2012 - May 5

Cheetahs 17 - Western Force 13

Bloemfontein

Round 13 2010 - May 8

Cheetahs 19 - Western Force 14

Bloemfontein

Round 2 2009 - Feb 20

Western Force 16 - Cheetahs 10

Perth

Round 2 2008 - Feb 22

Cheetahs 15 - Western Force 16

Bloemfontein

Round 13 2007 - Apr 27

Western Force 45 - Cheetahs 17

Perth

Round 13 2006 - May 6

Cheetahs 14 - Western Force 16

Kimberley

60

LINE BREAK - SEASON GUIDE | 2016

TEAM PROFILES SUPER RUGBY

CHIEFS

Hamilton, New Zealand

Captain:

Aaron Cruden Sam Cane

Coach:

Dave Rennie

Home Ground:

Waikato stadium, Hamilton

Capacity:

25,000

Best Finish:

1st (2013)

2015 Finish:

5th

Debut:

1996

SQUAD LIST:

Michael Allardice, Johan Bardoul, Dominic Bird, Sam Cane, Stephen Donald, Aaron Cruden, Hika Elliot, Glen Fisiiahi, Siegfried Fisiihoi, Mitchell Graham, Nathan Harris, Andrew Horrell, Mitchell Karpik, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tevita Koloamatangi, Nepo Laulala, Michael Leitch, Anton Lienert-Brown, James Lowe, Pauliasi Manu, Rhys Marshall, Damian McKenzie, Sam McNicol, Atu Moli, Charlie Ngata, Augustine Pulu, Toni Pulu, Brodie Retallick, Tom Sanders, Teleni Seu, Shaun Stevenson, Seta Tamanivalu, Chase Tiatia, Siate Tokolahi, James Tucker, Maama Vaipulu, Latu Vaeno, Sam Vaka, Brad Weber, Sonny Bill Williams.

PAST RESULTS

CRUSADERS

Christchurch, New Zealand

Round 11 2015 - Apr 24

Chiefs 35 - Western Force 27

Hamilton

Round 6 2014 - Mar 22

Western Force 18 - Chiefs 15

Perth

Round 13 2014 - May 10

Chiefs 22 - Western Force 21

Pukekohe

Round 7 2012 - Apr 6

Western Force 12 - Chiefs 20

Perth

Round 3 2010 - Feb 27

Western Force 19 - Chiefs 37

Perth

Round 4 2009 - Mar 6

Chiefs 31 - Western Force 13

Hamilton

Round 12 2008 - May 3

Western Force 22 - Chiefs 21

Perth

Round 11 2007 - Apr 14

Chiefs 64 - Western Force 36

Hamilton

Round 3 2006 - Feb 24

Western Force 9 - Chiefs 26

Perth

SQUAD LIST:

Captain:

Kieran Read/ Ryan Crotty

Coach:

Todd Blackadder

Home Ground:

Addington Stadium

Capacity:

17,000

Best Finish:

1st (2002, 2005, 2006 & 2008)

2015 Finish:

7th

Debut:

1996

Michael Alaalatoa, Scott Barrett, Jed Brown, Tim Boys, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Dunshea, Andy Ellis, Sione Fifita, Kieron Fonotia, Owen Franks, Robbie Fruean, Leon Fukofuka, Ben Funnell, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Alex Hodgman, Mitchell Hunt, Jone Macilai, Marty McKenzie, Johnny McNicholl, Joe Moody, Richie Mo’unga, Nemani Nadolo, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Ged Robinson. Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Jimmy Tupou, Ben Volavola, Sean Wainui, Sam Whitelock.

PAST RESULTS Round 16 2014 - May 30

Crusaders 30 - Western Force 7

Christchurch

Round 9 2013 - Apr 13

Western Force 16 - Crusaders 14

Perth

Round 18 2012 - Jul 14

Crusaders 38 - Western Force 24

Christchurch

Round 11 2011 - Apr 30

Western Force 30 - Crusaders 42

Perth

Round 11 2010 - Apr 23

Western Force 24 - Crusaders 16

Perth

Round 5 2009 - Mar 14

Crusaders 23 - Western Force 23

Christchurch

Round 4 2008 - Mar 9

Western Force 24 - Crusaders 29

Perth

Round 10 2007 - Apr 7

Crusaders 53 - Western Force 0

Christchurch

Round 11 2006 - Apr 21

Western Force 23 - Crusaders 23

Perth

LINE BREAK - SEASON GUIDE | 2016

61

TEAM PROFILES SUPER RUGBY

HIGHLANDERS Otago, Dunedin

Captain:

Nasi Manu/Ben Smith

Coach:

Jamie Joseph

Home Ground:

Forsyth Barr Stadium

Capacity:

30,000

Best Finish 1st: 1st (2015) 2015 Finish:

1st

Debut:

1996

SQUAD LIST:

Alex Ainley, Marty Banks, Richard Buckman, Shane Christie, Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Elliot Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Jason Emery, Gareth Evans, Matt Faddes, Malakai Fekitoa, Tom Franklin, Ross Geldenhuys, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Jackson Hemopo, Josh Hohneck, James Lentjes, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Craig Millar, Waisake Naholo, Patrick Osborne, Hayden Parker, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Dan Pryor, Mark Reddish, Josh Renton, Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Liam Squire, Fumiaki Tanaka, Rob Thompson, Patelesio Tomkinson, Ryan Tongia, Teihorangi Walden, Luke Whitelock, Joe Wheeler.

PAST RESULTS

HURRICANES Wellington, New Zealand

Round 15 2015 - May 23

Western Force 3 - Highlanders 23

Perth

Round 5 2014 - Mar 15

Highlanders 29 - Western Force 31

Dunedin

Round 15 2013 - May 25

Western Force 19 - Highlanders 18

Perth

Round 16 2011 - Jun 3

Highlanders 14 - Western Force 21

-

Round 9 2010 - Apr 10

Highlanders 27 - Western Force 41

Queenstown

Round 14 2009 - May 16

Western Force 33 - Highlanders 28

Perth

Round 6 2008 - Mar 22

Highlanders 28 - Western Force 36

Queenstown

Round 1 2007 - Feb 2

Western Force 7 - Highlanders 8

Perth

Round 9 2006 - Apr 8

Highlanders 25 - Western Force 22

Dunedin

Captain:

Dane Coles

Coach:

Chris Boyd

SQUAD LIST:

Home Ground: Westpac Stadium, Wellington Capacity:

36,000

Best Finish:

2nd (2006 & 2015)

2015 Finish:

2nd

Debut:

1996

Mark Abbott, Pita Ahki, Leni Apisai, Vince Aso, Beauden Barrett, Otere Black, James Broadhurst, Dane Coles, Geoffrey Cridge, Chris Eves, Michael Fatialofa, Vaea Fifita, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson-Park, Reggie Goodes, Willis Halaholo, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Cory Jane, Tony Lamborn, Ngani Laumape, Christian Lloyd, James Marshall, Motu Matu’u, Ben May, Nehe Milner-Skudder, TJ Perenara, Matt Proctor, Hugh Renton, Hisa Sasagi, Ardie Savea, Julian Savea, Brad Shields, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi , Blade Thomson, Jeffery To’omagaAllen, Loni Uhila, TJ Va’a, Victor Vito, Jason Woodward.

PAST RESULTS Round 3 2015 - Feb 27

Western Force 13 - Hurricanes 42

Perth

Round 10 2013 - Apr 19

Hurricanes 22 - Western Force 16

Wellington

Round 3 2012 - Mar 9

Western Force 19 - Hurricanes 46

Perth

Round 15 2011 - May 27

Hurricanes 34 - Western Force 28

Palmerston North

Round 2 2010 - Feb 20

Hurricanes 47 - Western Force 22

Wellington

Round 9 2009 - Apr 10

Western Force 27 - Hurricanes 28

Perth

Round 13 2008 - May 9

Hurricanes 21 - Western Force 10

Wellington

Round 6 2007 - Mar 9

Western Force 18 - Hurricanes 17

Perth

Round 2 2006 - Feb 18

Hurricanes 29 - Western Force 5

New Plymouth

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TEAM PROFILES SUPER RUGBY

LIONS

Johannesburg, South Africa

Captain:

Warren Whiteley

Coach:

Johan Ackermann

Home Ground:

Ellis Park Stadium

Capacity:

60,000

Best Finish:

3rd (2001)

2015 Finish:

8th

Debut:

1996

SQUAD LIST:

Andries Coetzee, JW Bell, Ruan Combrink, Lloyd Greeff, Courtnall Skosan, Sampie Mastriet, Anthony Volmink, Koch Marx, Selom Gavor, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Stokkies Hanekom, Howard Mnisi, Harold Vorster, Lionel Mapoe, Jacques Nel, Gerdus van der Walt, Marnitz Boshoff, Jako van der Walt, Elton Jantjes, Ashlon Davids, Ross Cronjé, Faf de Klerk, Ricky Schroeder, Dillon Smit, Marco van Vuren, Warren Whiteley, Fabian Booysen, Ruaan Lerm, Jano Venter, Steph de Wit, Jaco Kriel, Derick Minnie, Warrick Tecklenburg, Ruan Ackermann, Cyle Brink, Victor Sekekete, Robert Kruger, Lourens Erasmus, MB Lusaseni, Franco Mostert, Martin Muller, JP du Preez, Andries Ferreira, Bobby de Wee, Robbie Coetzee, Malcolm Marx, Akker van der Merwe, Ramone Samuels, Jacques van Rooyen, Dylan Smith, Corné Fourie, Julian Redelinghuys, Ruan Dreyer, Justin Ackerman, Pieter Scholtz

PAST RESULTS

REBELS

Melbourne, Australia

Round 15 2014 - May 24

Western Force 29 - Lions 19

Perth

Round 14 2012 - Mar 26

Western Force 17 - Lions 11

Perth

Round 5 2011 - Mar 19

Lions 15 - Western Force 27

Johannesburg

Round 12 2010 - May 1

Lions 12 - Western Force 33

Johannesburg

Round 11 2009 - Apr 24

Western Force 55 - Lions 14

Perth

Round 3 2008 - Feb 29

Lions 16 - Western Force 18

Johannesburg

Round 4 2007 - Apr 24

Western Force 24 - Lions 25

Perth

Round 12 2006 - Apr 28

Lions 34 - Western Force 34

Johannesburg

Captain:

Scott Fuglistaller

Coach:

Tony McGahan

Home Ground:

AAMI Park

Capacity:

30,000

Best Finish:

10th (2015)

2015 Finish:

10th

Debut:

2011

SQUAD LIST:

Adam Thomson, Ben Meehan, Cam Crawford, Colby Fainga’a, Cruze Ah-Nau, Culum Retallick, Daniel Hawkins, Dom Shipperley, Harley Fox, Jack Debreczeni, James Hanson, Jamie Hagan, Jonah Placid, Jordy Reid, Laurie Weeks, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Michael Snowden, Mike Harris, Mitch Inman, Nic Stirzaker, Patrick Leafa, Paul Asquith, Reece Hodge, Rob Leota, Ryan Cocker, Sam Jeffries, Scott Fuglistaller, Sean McMahon, Sefanaia Naivalu, Siliva Siliva, Sione Tuipulotu, Steve Cummins, Tamati Ellison, Tim Metcher, Toby Smith, Tom English.

PAST RESULTS Round 5 2015 - Mar 13

Western Force 17 - Rebels 21

Perth

Round 18 2015 - Jun 12

Rebels 11 - Western Force 13

Melbourne

Round 4 2014 - Mar 8

Western Force 32 - Rebels 7

Perth

Round 10 2014 - Apr 18

Rebels 22 - Western Force 16

Melbourne

Round 8 2013 - Apr 6

Western Force 23 - Rebels 30

Perth

Round 1 2013 - Feb 15

Rebels 30 - Western Force 23

Johannesburg

Round 13 2012 - May 20

Western Force 31 - Rebels 32

Perth

Round 5 2012 - Mar 23

Rebels 30 - Western Force 29

Johannesburg

Round 18 2011 - Jun 17

Rebels 24 - Western Force 27

Perth

Round 7 2011 - Apr 2

Western Force 25 - Rebels 26

Johannesburg

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TEAM PROFILES SUPER RUGBY

REDS

Brisbane, Australia

SQUAD LIST:

Captain:

Liam Gill

Coach:

Richard Graham

Home Ground:

Suncorp Stadium

Capacity:

53,000

Best Finish:

1st (1996, 1999 & 2011)

2015 Finish:

13th

Debut:

2006

Curtis Browning, Ben Daley, Kane Douglas, Sef Fa’agase, Anthony Fainga’a , Saia Fainga’a, Lolo Fakaosilea, Chris FeauaiSautia, Nick Frisby, Scott Gale, Liam Gill, Ayumu Goromaru, Sam Greene, Michael Gunn, Greg Holmes, Karmichael Hunt, Samu Kerevi, Adam Korczyk, Chris Kuridrani, Junior Laloifi, Campbell Magnay, Jake McIntyre, Eto Nabuli, Cadeyrn Neville, Duncan Paia’aua, Pettowa Paraka, Izaia Perese, Andrew Ready, Jake Schatz, Lagi Setu, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Sam Talakai, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, Hendrik Tui, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou, James Tuttle,

PAST RESULTS Round 2 2015 - Feb 21 Round 16 2015 - May 30 Round 8 2014 - Apr 5 Round 18 2014 - Jul 5 Round 12 2013 - May 4 Round 5 2013 - Mar 16 Round 6 2012 - Mar 31 Round 2 2012 - Mar 3 Round 17 2011 - Jun 11 Round 1 2011 - Feb 20 Round 5 2010 - Mar 14 Round 8 2009 - Apr 3 Round 10 2008 - Apr 18 Round 7 2007 - Mar 16 Round 5 2006 - Mar 11

SHARKS

Durban, South Africa

Captain:

Patrick Lambie

Coach:

Gary Gold

Reds 18 - Western Force 6 Western Force 10 - Reds 32 Reds 29 - Western Force 32 Western Force 30 - Reds 20 Western Force 11 - Reds 11 Reds 12 - Western Force 19 Western Force 45 - Reds 19 Reds 35 - Western Force 20 Western Force 21 - Reds 24 Reds 21 - Western Force 20 Reds 50 - Western Force 10 Western Force 39 - Reds 7 Reds 29 - Western Force 12 Western Force 38 - Reds 3 Reds 29 - Western Force 18

SQUAD LIST:

Home Ground: Growthpoint Kings Park Capacity:

55,000

Best Finish:

1st (2007)

2015 Finish:

11th

Debut:

1996

Brisbane Perth Brisbane Perth Perth Brisbane Perth Brisbane Perth Brisbane Brisbane Perth Brisbane Perth Brisbane

Lourens Adriaanse, Lukhanyo Am, Hyron Andrews, Garth April, Ruan Botha, Dale Chadwick, Michael Claassens, Kyle Cooper, Christiaan de Bruin, Jean Deysel, Johan Deysel, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Gerhard Engelbrecht, Andre Esterhuizen, Monde Hadebe, Conrad Hoffmann, Paul Jordaan, Sias Koen, Francois Kleinhans, Patrick Lambie, Stephan Lewies, Marius Louw, Khaya Majola, Mzamo Majola, Franco Marais, David McDuling, Wandile Mjekevu, Tendai Mtawarira, Tera Mtembu , Lubabalo Mtyanda, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, Sibusiso Nkosi, Coenie Oosthuizen, Etienne Oosthuizen, Joe Pietersen, Barend Potgieter, Innocent Radebe, Cobus Reinach, Juan Schoeman, Ayron Schramm, S’bura Sithole, Stefan Ungerer, Philip van der Walt, Heimar Williams

PAST RESULTS Round 7 2015 - Mar 28

Sharks 15 - Western Force 9

Durban

Round 14 2013 - May 17

Western Force 13 - Sharks 23

Perth

Round 12 2012 - May 12

Sharks 53 - Western Force 11

Durban

Round 3 2011 - Mar 5

Western Force 12 - Sharks 39

Perth

Round 14 2010 - May 14

Sharks 27 - Western Force 22

Durban

Round 6 2009 - Mar 21

Western Force 10 - Sharks 32

Perth

Round 1 2008 - Feb 15

Sharks 17 - Western Force 10

Durban

Round 9 2007 - Mar 30

Western Force 22 - Sharks 12

Perth

Round 14 2006 - May 12

Sharks 41 - Western Force 25

Durban

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TEAM PROFILES SUPER RUGBY

STORMERS

Cape Town, South Africa

SQUAD LIST:

Captain:

TBC

Coach:

Robbie Fleck

Home Ground:

Newlands Rugby Stadium

Capacity:

52,000

Best Finish:

1st (2012)

2015 Finish:

3rd

Debut:

1998

Nizaam Carr, Kurt Coleman, Damian de Allende, Jan de Klerk, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Robert du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ryno Eksteen, Rynhardt Elstadt, Nic Groom, JC Janse van Rensberg, Huw Jones, Oli Kebble, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Johnny Kotze, Dillyn Leyds, Frans Malherbe, Godlen Masimla, Bongi Mbonambi, Khanyo Ngcukana, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Scarra Ntubeni, Justin Phillips, Louis Schreuder, JD Schickerling, Chad Solomon, JP Smith, Jaco Taute, Brandon Thompson, Jurie van Vuuren, Kobus van Wyk, Alistair Vermaak, Jano Vermaak, Jacques Vermeulen, Michael Willemse, Leolin Zas.

PAST RESULTS

WARATAHS Sydney, Australia

Round 10 2015 - Apr 18

Western Force 6 - Stormers 13

Perth

Round 14 2014 - May 17

Stormers 24 - Western Force 8

Cape Town

Round 10 2012 - Apr 28

Western Force 3 - Stormers 17

Perth

Round 6 2011 - Mar 26

Stormers 51 - Western Force 16

Cape Town

Round 8 2010 - Apr 2

Western Force 16 - Stormers 15

Perth

Round 13 2009 - May 9

Stormers 25 - Western Force 24

Cape Town

Round 7 2008 - Mar 28

Western Force 16 - Stormers 32

Perth

Round 2 2007 - Feb 9

Stormers 3 - Western Force 22

Cape Town

Round 8 2006 - Mar 31

Western Force 25 - Stormers 26

Perth

Captain:

Dave Dennis

Coach:

Daryl Gibson

Home Ground:

Sydney Football Stadium

Capacity:

45,500

Best Finish:

1st (2014)

2015 Finish:

2nd

Debut:

1996

SQUAD LIST:

Kurtley Beale, Matt Carraro, Henry Clunies-Ross, Andrew Deegan, Jack Dempsey, David Dennis, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Zac Guildford, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Harry Jones, Andrew Kellaway, Tolu Latu, Sam Lousi, Matt Lucas, Ryan McCauley, Dean Mumm, Cameron Orr, Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Hugh Roach, Tom Robertson, Reece Robinson, Benn Robinson, Paddy Ryan, Matt Sandell, Will Skelton, Jim Stewart, Angus Ta’avao, Jeremy Tilse, Senio Toleafoa, Brad Wilkin.

PAST RESULTS Round 1 2015 - Feb 15 Round 13 2015 - May 9 Round 2 2014 - Feb 23 Round 9 2011 - Apr 12 Round 17 2013 - Jun 9 Round 7 2013 - Mar 31 Round 8 2012 - Apr 13 Round 4 2012 - Mar 17 Round 12 2011 - May 7 Round 8 2011 - Apr 9 Round 6 2010 - Mar 20 Round 10 2009 - Apr 18 Round 9 2008 - Apr 12 Round 5 2007 - Mar 2 Round 6 2006 - Mar 17

Waratahs 13 - Western Force 25 Western Force 18 - Waratahs 11 Waratahs 43 - Western Force 21 Western Force 28 - Waratahs 16 Western Force 13 - Waratahs 28 Waratahs 23 - Western Force 19 Western Force 18 - Waratahs 23 Waratahs 20 - Western Force 21 Waratahs 20 - Western Force 15 Western Force 3 - Waratahs 31 Western Force 10 - Waratahs 14 Waratahs 14 - Western Force 15 Western Force 12 - Waratahs 17 Waratahs 16 - Western Force 16 Western Force 7 - Waratahs 32

Sydney Perth Sydeny Perth Perth Sydney Perth Sydney Sydney Perth Perth Sydney Perth Sydney Perth

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TEAM PROFILES SUPER RUGBY - NEW BEGINNINGS

JAGUARES Argentina

Captain:

Agustin Creevy

Coach:

Raul Perez

Home Ground: Jose Amalfitani Stadium Capacity:

49,540

Debut:

2016

SQUAD LIST:

Matias Alemanno, Gabriel Ascarate, Rodrigo Baez, Emiliano Boffelli, Santiago Cordero, Agustin Creevy, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Santiago Garcia Botta, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Juan Cruz Guillemain, Juan Martin Hernandez, Ramiro Herrera, Facundo Isa, Martin Landajo, Tomas Lavanni, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Tomas Lezana, Pablo Matera, Manuel Montero, Julian Montoya, Martias Moroni, Ramiro Moyano, Lucas Noguera, Matias Orlando, Javier Ortega Desio, Guido Petti, Nicolas Sanchez, Leonardo Senatore, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Joaquin Tucullet.

The Argentinian Jaguares are one of three new teams introduced into the Asteron Life Super Rugby competition in 2016. The Argentines have a proud rugby history and will be a force to be reckoned with this season.

The original 30-man squad all have international Test-level experience, with over half the team playing in the most recent Rugby World Cup in England last year.

The Jaguares will be the team to watch this year and don’t be surprised if they take a few big scalps this season.

KINGS

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Captain:

TBA

Coach:

Deon Davids

Home Ground: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Capacity:

48,000

Debut:

2013

SQUAD LIST:

Jacobie Adriaanse, Thembelani Bholi, Tom Botha, Aidon Davis, JP du Plessis, Schalk Ferreira, Louis Fouche, Shane Gates, Siyanda Grey, James Hall, Cornell Hess, Malcolm Jaer, Kevin Luiters, Edgar Marutlulle, Schalk Oelofse, Tyler Paul, Sipato Junior Pokomela, Steven Sykes, Cyril-John Velleman, Stefan Watermeyer, Elgar Watts, Stefan Willemse.

The Southern Kings are welcomed back into the Asteron Life Super Rugby competition after a two year absence. The Kings along with the Jaguares and the Sunwolves now make an 18-team competition and now sees five franchises in the South African conference.

WIth signings still to be announced the Kings’ squad hosts a number of talented South African and international players. Head coach Deon Davids has a tough task ahead of him, but will look to cement his team in the Asteron Life Super Rugby competition.

SUNWOLVES Tokyo, Japan

Captain:

TBC

Coach:

Mark Hammett

Home Ground:

Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium

Capacity:

27,188

Debut:

2016

SQUAD LIST:

Ryuhei Arita, Timothy Bond, Derek Carpenter, Andrew Durutalo, Ziun Gu, Shohei Hirano, Atsushi Hiwasa, Shota Horie, Yoshiya Hosoda, Keita Inagaki, Daisuke Inoue, Shinnosuke Kakinaga, Takeshi Kizu, Yamamoto Koki, Faatiga Lemalu, Tomas Leonardi, Amanaki Lotoahea, Shinya Makabe, Paea Mifi Poseti, Masataka Mikami, Liaki Moli, Tsuyoshi Murata, Hitoshi Ono, Tusi Pisi, Eddie Quirk, Yusataka Sasakura, John Stewart, Yu Tamura, Harumichi Tatekawa, Riaan Viljoen, Akihito Yamada, Ryohei Yamanaka, Hajime Yamashita, Yuki Yatomi.

The Sunwolves will also be entering the Asteron Life Super Rugby Competition this season along with the Jaguares and the Kings.

Based out of Tokyo, Japan the Sunwolves are set to be an excitement machine with a host of Japanese players and international imports that will hold them in good stead this year.

The Japanese team will split their home games between Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo and Singapore National Stadium, Singapore.

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54

YEARS EXPLORING THE EARTH

The demand for reliable energy drives the continued search for oil and gas, as well as advancements in the methodology and efficiency of hydrocarbon development and distribution.

Fugro’s people, expertise, integrated services, specialist equipment and technology are geared to these objectives, bringing agility, insight and value to the initial planning stages of an oil and gas project, through the development of upstream and downstream facilities, to the decommissioning of assets and infrastructure.

Like the Western Force, we are driven to meet our objectives; we are driven to succeed.

Fugro. Major partner of the Western Force.

FUGRO-TSM +61 8 9218 2000 fugrotsm@fugro.com www.fugro.com