WESTERN FORCE VS FIJIAN DRUA FRI 12 MAY HBF Park, PERTH 23 ROUND 12 $2 CULTURAL ROUND GL BAL Force FIJIAN DRUA VS
COMING UP...
DON’T MISS OUT!
FINAL 2023 HOME GAMES
WHAT’s on AROUND THE GROUNDS?
4.05PM GATE 1 OPENS
Look out for the COMPLIMENTARY face painters to show your Force spirit.
FAMILY FUN ZONE
Check out Gate 1 for loads of FREE activities from a photobooth to bouncy castles to amusement rides. There is plenty of fun for everyone! Enjoy live performances from Moana Cultural Group, The Albany Shantymen and our Fijian Drummers throughout the afternoon.
4:05PM ALL GATES OPEN & ALL MEMBERS LOUNGES OPEN
5:20PM PRE-GAME ENTERTAINMENT
Make your way to your seats to watch the entertainment from Moana Cultural Group
5:35PM KICK-OFF RD 12 SUPER RUGBY VS FIJIAN DRUA
6.15PM COTERIE HALF-TIME SHOW
Half Time EPIC performance from Coterie
AFTER THE MATCH MEMBERS ONLY
Head to South Marquee for a Q&A
Round 13 SAT 20 MAY 8PM HBF PARK FIRST NATIONS Round 15 SAT 3 JUN 8PM HBF PARK MEMBERS ROUND
SCAN FOR More info SEE BOTH GAMES CHEAPER!
LETTER FROM THE CEO
Dear Western Force Members, Supporters, and Family,
I welcome you back to HBF Park where we look to secure our fourth win at home.
This week, we acknowledge all Cultures that play our great game. Here at the Force this week especially we embrace our players that span across many countries and cultures, including Tonga, Fiji and Argentina. I encourage you to do the same tonight and join in on the many activities before and during the match.
The squad welcomes back Wallabies Tom Robertson and Folau Fainga’a; two huge inclusions in the scrum and physicality around the park. Tonight we will face a powerful Drua outfit, fresh off an impressive win in Suva. Our men will be looking for a must-need win in the race home of the regular fixture.
This week we announced the signing of Wallaby scrumhalf, Nic White. He will add valuable experience and leadership across the board
to our young playing group. Nic is passionate about growing the next generation of young and emerging leaders here at the Force, and we welcome him next season.
Lastly, I would like to welcome Force’s former CEO and current Fijian Drua CEO, Mark Evans and his wife, Jane back to Perth.
Let’s all enjoy tonight and encourage the expansion of Rugby in Perth. Go the Force and see you back here next week at HBF Park.
Yours in rugby,
3
GL BAL
Culture ROUND AT WESTERN FORCE
This Round, we celebrate the diverse cultures of all players, coaches, officials and supporters involved in Rugby here in Western Australia.
Rugby is more than a game here; we are a community complete with many backgrounds, filled with different talents, histories, and ideas.
Unified by the shared belief that together we are stronger, where all of us is better than one of us.
our Assistant Coach Jimmy Duffy has flown all the way from ‘sunny’ Ireland to instill his knowledge in the group. This is only a handful of the rich makeup interwoven to create a 40+ man squad coming together to establish a winning culture.
Seek your community at UWA
Whether on the field or off, you’ll be part of an inclusive, supportive community at UWA.
As WA’s #1 university for graduate employability, you’ll also have access to opportunities and support to help you reach your sporting, study, and career goals.
Search uwa.edu.au/study
stadiums each year on the international level. Bringing together the best athletes across the globe to battle it out nation vs nation. Here in Perth our goal is simple, grow the game, support all that play the game, and represent Western Australia with pride.
Rugby is a world game, shared and loved by more than 500 million people.
CRICOS: 00126G | PRV12169, AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY | BMR1085160645 (SOURCE: QS Employability Ranking 2022)
WESTERN FORCE
STARTING XV
1 Angus Wagner
2 Folau Fainga’a
3 Tom Robertson
4 Jeremy Williams
5 Ryan McCauley
6 Michael Wells (C)
7 Carlo Tizzano
8 Rahboni Vosayaco
9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
10 Max Burey
11 Manasa Mataele
12 Hamish Stewart
13 Sam Spink
14 Zach Kibirige
15 Chase Tiatia
FINISHERS
16 Tom Horton
17 Marley Pearce
18 Siosifa Amone
19 Felix Kalapu
20 Tim Anstee
21 Isi Naisarani
22 Ian Prior
23 George Poolman
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1 Haereiti Hetet 2 Tevita Ikanivere 3 Jone Koroiduadua 4 Isoa Nasilasila 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta 6 Joseva Tamani 7 Vilive Miramira 8 Meli Derenalagi (c) 9 Frank Lomani 10 Teti Tela 11 Taniela Rakuro 12 Kalaveti Ravouvou 13 Iosefo Masi 14 Eroni Sau 15 Ilaisa Droasese
16 Zuriel Togiatama 17 Livai Natave 18 Jone Tiko 19 Etonia Waqa 20 Elia Canakaivata 21 Peni Matawalu 22 Caleb Muntz 23 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
STARTING XV
FINISHERS
FIJIAN
Scrum HALF POSITION Scrum HALF 42 CARRIES 42 18 KICKS FROM HAND 30 252 METRES GAINED 328 414 TOTAL MINUTES 486 32 TACKLES 31 427 PASSES 350 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa Frank Lomani Super Rugby Pacific 2023 season statistics 8
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Match PREVIEW
THANKS TO The Rugby Wrap podcast
This match could make the mark at home for the Force.
The boys from the West have won their last four Super Rugby Pacific matches at HBF Park. The last time they recorded a longer winning run at the venue in Super Rugby competitions was a five-matches pan from March to May in 2014.
Wallabies Folau Fainga’a and Tom Robertson have bolstered the pack returning to the mix after their injury absence. Their international experience and leadership at set piece time will be welcomed against a meaty Drua front row.
Angus Wagner continues to add weight to the front row, recovered from an acute hamstring injury, starting at loosehead prop.
Local product Carlo Tizzano runs out for the first time at HBF Park tonight since his departure in 2019. Looking to add to his tally, Tizzano has made 24 tackles per 80minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the most of any player in the campaign (min. 50 minutes played).
The Fijian Drua will be looking to capitalise on their hearty win at home against the Hurricanes. With ‘Big T’ - Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, back in the XV, while captain Meli Derenalagi, Eroni Sau and Jone Koroiduadua also return to the run-on side.
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Zuriel Togiatama of Fiji is tackled by Tim Anstee. Round 5, Super Rugby Pacific, Leichhardt Oval, 2022.
This is the Drua’s first Super Rugby Pacific trip to Perth. Both sides met previously in 2022, with the Force winning that match 20 - 18.
Fiji is known for their big hits and flare. Yet the Western Force has scored five tries assisted by kicks in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season — the second most of any team in the competition (Chiefs @ 7) and four more than the Fijian Drua. Nonetheless, the Force will be out pushing for a Super Rugby Pacific birth, getting one up on the board is vital in their race for a top eight finish.
The Force celebrate their victory over Fiji after Bayley Kuenzle’s clutch penalty in the final phase of the game. Round 5, Super Rugby Pacific, Leichhardt Oval, 2022.
Ian Prior leading the Force off the field after their very first clash with Fijian Drua. Round 7, The National Rugby Championship, UWA Sports Park, 2018
Serupepeli Vularika makes a pass while Jeremy Thrush looks on during his debut season with the Force. Round 7, The National Rugby Championship, UWA Sports Park, 2018
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JETTY 7S REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!
RugbyWA is excited to be heading back down to Busselton to bring to you another year of Jetty 7s! We can’t think of a better way to round off the 2023 Rugby Season than with a team trip down to the beautiful Southwest.
When: Saturday, 23 September 2023
Where:
Barnard Park, Busselton
This year, the event will feature three divisions:
• Senior Men’s
• Senior Women’s
• Colts
Spaces are limited so secure your team’s spot now!
SCAN To SECURE YOUR SPOT
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Nic White SIGNS TO THE FORCE
New SIGNING
The Western Force is thrilled to announce the signing of Wallaby Nic White on a two-year-deal.
White made his debut for Australia in 2013 after just one season of Super Rugby competition.
Since then, he has gone on to become a leader and regular starter for the Wallabies, playing in the 2019 Rugby World Cup and notching up his 50th appearance for his country against England in Sydney last year.
The 32 year-old has 270 first class caps, representing Montpellier and Exeter before helping guide the Brumbies to a Super Rugby AU title in 2020.
Passionate about his move to the West and enlisting his knowledge to the Force’s 2024 cohort, White
aims to guide the emerging leaders in the group.
“This is an awesome opportunity for myself and my family. I am thrilled to stay in Australian Rugby and play for the Force next season,” White mentioned.
“I am really looking forward to coming over and being a part of the hard working environment Simon [Cron] has created. The club is moving in the right direction, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
“What I feel like I can bring to the Force is my experience. I’ve been to three clubs now, Montpellier, Exeter and Brumbies and have tasted success at all three, so I feel like I have a fairly good understanding of what success looks like and how much hard work goes into building a successful club and culture.”
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PLAYER SNAPSHOTS
Born
Sydney, NSW
What was your junior rugby club?
Wentworthville Magpies
What’s your advice to kids aspiring to be a rugby player?
Don’t give up, because every day is a chance to be great.
What does your game day ritual look like?
Breakfast, walk, sleep and play.
Favourite musician/artist? Anything Rod Wave
How do you like your coffee? Mocha
Born
Perth, Western Australia
What was your junior rugby club?
Joondalup Brothers Rugby Union Club
What’s your advice to kids aspiring to be a rugby player?
Try enjoy every moment, and most of all, have fun.
What does your game day ritual look like?
I eat sushi or pasta on the day of, or the night before, and then just relax with my family and friends.
Favourite musician/artist? Luke Combs or Chris Stapleton
How do you like your coffee? I don’t like coffee
Born
Sydney, NSW
What was your junior rugby club?
Port Douglas Reef Raiders
What’s your advice to kids aspiring to be a rugby player?
Work hard! Know what you want to achieve in life and don’t stop until you get there - anything is possible!
What does your game day ritual look like?
Beach, coffee, stretch and relax.
Favourite musician/artist? At the moment it’s Six60
How do you like your coffee? Long mac topped up
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Marley Pearce
Issak FinesLeleiwasa
Siosifa Amone
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WESTERN FORCE WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK!
THE 2 23 WINTER RANGE OUT NOW
AVAILABLE AT THE MERCH POD
Meet players and check out the new range this Game Day!
MEMBERS RECEIVE 15%OFF
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