2023 Super W Pre-Season & Super Rugby Pacific R1

COMING UP...

WHAT’s on AROUND THE GROUNDS?

4:15PM

Look out for the roaming 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 and amusement rides, there is plenty of fun for everyone!

4:30PM

6:00PM

Make your way to your seats to watch the entertainment, including an amazing fireworks show!

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Western Force Members, Supporters, and Family,

The 2023 Super Rugby Pacific Season is upon us, and we as a club acknowledge our priority to connect with Rugby Community, Clubs, and schools across WA.

We strive to action this initiative through a significant investment supported by Andrew & Nicola Forrest. This investment aims to promote our great game to every corner of WA, driving growth, employing staff, and developing programs to see the game thrive.

The players from both the men’s and women’s teams are critical drivers in engaging and sustaining the WA community’s interest. So along with growing our pathway programs, we will continue to push beyond the boundaries and promote rugby throughout the season.

Lastly, the Force need you at HBF park every home game! Although we acknowledge our performance last season was not at the level we planned, I can attest the drive for success within the team is high. You are the 24 th man. Let’s make our home crowd hostile and intimidating for every opposition team, driving the Western Force to success. My plea to our loyal fans is to bring back an old rugby supporter or a friend and introduce them to our team.

Yours in rugby,

FORCE

STARTING XV

1 Brax Walker

2 Hera Barb Malcolm-Heke

3 Penina Tuilaepa

4 Liz Kennedy

5 Libya Teepa

6 Katie Barnes

Sera Ravatudei

Nicole Ledington

Ariana Ruru-Hinaki

Trilleen Pomare

Langley Sesega

Casey Jackson

FINISHERS

Angel Schwencke

Mercedes Putz

Keira MacAskill

Sofaia Talemairaa

Sofia Bekir-Fuente

Ariana Hira-Hirangi

Zakiya Kereopa

Paihau Pomare

UWA has partnered with Western Force to support their vision to become the leading force in world rugby.

As one of Australia’s leading universities for sporting participation and performance and WA’s #1 university for graduate employability, UWA can help you reach your goals – both on the field and into the future.

Match PREVIEW

The Super W team will go head-to-head with fellow rivals, the Melbourne Rebels, in a pre-season make-up match. Last season’s RD4 fixture was cancelled due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the opposing team.

Head coach Matt Hodgson will have his first stint on the park today and is integral in transitioning the Western Force women’s program into the new era of elite professionalism. He brings a wealth of leadership experience, helping further to link our men’s and women’s programs. We are all delighted to have him on board for the Super W season.

Trilleen Pomare returns from Wallaroos duties at the World Cup, running out at inside center, with Force favourite Nicole Ledington steering the pack at fly-half. With plenty of fresh faces added to the mix, the Sea of Blue can be excited for the Buildcorp Super W regular season to officially kick-off on Friday, 24 March in Sydney.

Ariana Hira-Herangi defends a tackle during a RugbyWA Women vs Rebels match, 2019.

Trilleen Pomare tackles Bree-Anna Cheatham during a RugbyWA Women vs Rebels match, 2019.

Super W Head coach Matt Hodgson addresses the team at training.

Training insight

What has been the focus of training this week heading into Round 1?

We are working really hard for each other, that’s been a key focus making sure we are prepared for Saturday. Wellsy is leading by the front and there are some experienced players in the front row taking charge, the leadership is coming from within, which is what we are trying to drive, so hopefully, we will be in a good position on Saturday.

A handful of players are making their debut in Super Rugby Pacific this week. What can we expect from them?

It’s a new challenge; it has been a long preseason. I’m usually used to 7-8 weeks, not 12. It’s now a sprint; you must hit the ground running and be ready to go. The new lads are wellmanaged and prepared to step on the field; there is a huge amount of experience here with an international front row. With plenty of level heads to help guide those young players on Saturday, I am confident in our boys’ ability.

”The new lads are wellmanaged and prepared to step on the field; there is a huge amount of experience here with an international front row.”

Jimmy Duffy Assistant Coach

FORCE TEAM LIST

STARTING XV

Tom Robertson

Folau Fainga'a*

Santiago Medrano

4 Felix Kalapu**

5 Jeremy Williams*

6 Tim Anstee

7 Ollie Callan

8 Michael Wells [C]*

9 Ian Prior

10 Bryce Hegarty*

11 Zach Kibirige**

12 Hamish Stewart*

13 Sam Spink**

14 Manasa Mataele

15 Chase Tiatia*

FINISHERS

16 Feleti Kaitu'u

17 Angus Wagner

18 Siosifa Amone***

19 TBC

20 Jackson Pugh

21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa

22 Bayley Kuenzle

23 Toni Pulu

REBELS TEAM LIST

Match PREVIEW

New coach, new captain, new season, old rival. That’s the scenario facing the Western Force when they take on the Melbourne Rebels at HBF Park on Saturday night.

For the Force, it’s a chance to make a mark on a competition. First-up wins have been hard to come by and a victory over the Rebels would be a great boost for players and fans alike.

They certainly have the squad to do it.

The all-international front row of Tom Robertson, Folau Fainga’a and Santiago Medrano must win the battle upfront, while the back row of Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan and new skipper Michael Wells offers the perfect mix of height, agility and mongrel.

A key for the Force will be the lineout. Isaak Rodda will be missed, but the new second row pairing of Jeremy Williams and Super Rugby debutant Felix Kalapu provide promising targets for Fainga’a.

Veteran Ian Prior wins the race to start at half back and his combination with No 10 Bryce Hegarty will be vital. Hegarty has the opportunity to make the jersey his own and will embrace the responsibility of steering his side around the park.

The Force backline looks very slick. Sam Spink was outstanding during

THANKS TO The Rugby Wrap podcast

Western Force players celebrate their win against the Rebels, Round 2, AAMI Park

the trials and the back three of Zach Kibirige, Manasa Mataele and Chase Tiatia have speed and power to burn. While a win would be nice, it won’t come easy. The Rebels, led by stand-in skipper Brad Wilkin, have been the Force’s troubled side on more than one occasion. No 10 Carter Gordon is a tall, strong player who will be pressing for higher honours, while Reece Hodge, who has the ability to hurt defences at will, needs to be watched. With Pone Fa’amausili leading the charge up front, the Rebels will be hungry and up for the fight.

Rugby Wrap Tip

Force by 7.

Reece Hodge gets tackled by Jeremy Thrush, Round 8, HBF Park

Jake Strachan contests for the ball against Andrew Kellaway, Round 8, HBF Park

ALL ABILITIES RUGBY

Ever thought about playing rugby? Come join All Abilities Rugby today!

The goal of All Abilities Rugby is to build an inclusive club setting for all people to have the chance to play rugby and create lifelong friendships.

It is safe, fun, and accessible for all ability and experience levels. RugbyWA now have THREE amazing clubs with all abilities teams, Southern Lions, Perth Bayswater and new to the mix Wanneroo Rugby Club.

How does the competition work?

The season kicks off in May 2023, teams train once a week on their allocated afternoons and matches are played every fortnight on Sundays.

SCAN To REGISTER

How do you join a team?

Simply scan the QR code above and click “Register Now”.

We are looking for players 16+ years to join our All Abilities teams. Come give rugby a try and fall in love with our great game.

Come and try All Abilities Rugby dates:

Southern Lions Rugby Club

Tuesday 7th March 5:30pm -6:30pm

Perth Bayswater Rugby Club

Thursday 9th March 5:30pm -6:30pm

Wanneroo Rugby Club

Thursday 6th April 5:30pm -6:30pm

We look forward to seeing you at any of the dates above!

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PLAYER SNAPSHOTS

If you could give any advice to an aspiring rugby player, what would it be?

Have fun and enjoy every moment of it.

What are some of your career goals?

To be financially stable once my career is over, to travel the world doing what I love, network, and make lifelong friends and experiences.

What do you love most about the Sea of Blue?

Not everyone is from Perth, so everyone bonds together very tight as we are all we got! Deep connections results in good performances so looking forward to that.

What High School did you attend?

Butler College.

What is your game day ritual?

Sleep well and have a big dinner.

Who inspired you to play rugby?

My older brother played rugby, so I followed. What junior club did you attend?

Wanneroo Districts

What are some of your career goals?

To win a Super Rugby competition.

What is your favourite country to travel to and why?

Japan. Amazing snow to go snowboarding on. The people and the place is so nice to visit.

What does your Game Day ritual look like?

Have a chat to Dad about what I need to execute in the game

Write my goals down of what I want to achieve in the game and what the perfect game looks like which I want to replicate.

If you could give any advice to a kid aspiring to be a rugby player, what would you tell them?

If you want it then chase it! Work hard each day to get better and better and put in that effort. If you keep going eventually you will make it!

OLLIE CALLAN

Chase Tiatia

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FEEL THE F RCE &

11 March TICKETS from

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