Western Force
Even in the ever-changing world of rugby union, the nine-point try might seem a bit bizarre. So it’s hard to believe that this inflated value of touching down over your opponents’ goal-line is now a selling feature of Global Rapid Rugby, a new competition with amended laws being introduced to the the Asia Pacific region, which, some suggest, might shape the future direction of World Rugby.
If the nine-point try is still a bit alien to most Scots then not to worry. Because out in Hong-Kong, a key driver of Asian rugby, the ‘Power Try’, as it’s being dubbed, is now everyday life to ex-pat and former North Berwick High School scrum half, Jamie Lauder.
Lauder, who played for Edinburgh Under-18s as well captaining Aberdeen University, recently signed a part-time professional contract with the South China Tigers, one of the sides that is showcasing the new competition this year. The 2019 exhibition series will add up to just 14 matches that will feature the Asia Pacific Dragons (Singapore), Fijian Latui (Fiji), Kagifa Samoa (Samoa), South China Tigers (Hong Kong), Western Force (Western Australia).
Then, for 2020, the competition will move into full blown mode by featuring eight teams playing home and away and fighting for a $1 million AUD first prize. The plan is to expand the competition with teams from the east coast of Australia and from New Zealand, as well as Japan and Hawaii.
Force (26) 40 / 11 (6) Waratahs (Final Score)
The Western Force and Waratahs did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
nib Stadium, Perth, Australia at 11:45 SA Time (17:45 AWST, 19:45 AEST, 09:45 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Force (0) 12 / 34 (12) Hurricanes (Final Score)
The Western Force and Hurricanes did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
nib Stadium, Perth, Australia at 13:55 SA Time (19:55 AWST, 23:55 NZ Time, 11:55 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Sharks (20) 37 / 12 (7) Force (Final Score)
The Cell C Sharks and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban, South Africa at 15:05 SA Time (21:05 AWST, 13:05 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Force (9) 15 / 24 (14) Lions (Final Score)
The Western Force and Emirates Lions did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
nib Stadium, Perth, Australia at 13:55 SA Time (19:55 AWST, 11:55 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Force (7) 7 / 16 (7) Chiefs (Final Score)
The Western Force and Chiefs did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
nib Stadium, Perth, Australia at 15:05 SA Time (13:05 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Force (15) 46 / 41 (7) Kings (Final Score)
The Western Force and Southern Kings did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
nib Stadium, Perth, Australia at 08:05 SA Time (14:05 AWST, 06:05 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Blues (12) 24 / 15 (8) Force (Final Score)
The Blues and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand at 06:15 SA Time (17:15 NZ Time, 12:15 AWST, 04:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Lewis Carmichael
Edinburgh Rugby lock Lewis Carmichael has joined Australian Super Rugby outfit Western Force on a short-term loan as part of his personal player development plan.
Carmichael – a first year pro who also plays for Melrose in the BT Premiership – will be available for the Perth based side until the end of the current Super Rugby campaign.
The agreement was brokered by Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby, Scott Johnson, and Edinburgh Rugby’s Managing Director, Jonny Petrie, and is designed to help players gain experience in a different training and cultural environment.
Carmichael, who progressed through the Scotland age-grade system, said: “I’m really excited to get out to Australia and it was an offer that I jumped to take.
Crusaders (28) 45 / 17 (17) Force (Final Score)
The Crusaders and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
AMI Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 14:35 AWST, 06:35 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Brumbies (10) 25 / 17 (7) Force (Final Score)
The Brumbies and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
GIO Stadium, Canberra, Australia at 10:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 16:45 AWST, 08:45 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Force (12) 26 / 19 (12) Reds (Final Score)
The Western Force and Reds did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
nib Stadium, Perth, Australia at 12:30 SA Time (18:30 AWST, 20:30 AEST, 10:30 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Waratahs (9) 19 / 13 (13) Force (Final Score)
The Waratahs and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2017 at
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia at 10:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 16:45 AWST, 08:45 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Brumbies (24) 24 / 10 (10) Force (Final Score)
The Brumbies and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
GIO Stadium, Canberra at 11:45 SA Time (09:45 GMT, 19:45 AEST, 17:45 AWST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Force (3) 3 / 22 (15) Stormers (Final Score)
The Western Force and DHL Stormers did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
nib Stadium, Perth at 13:55 SA Time (11:55 GMT, 19:55 AWST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Cheetahs (27) 30 / 29 (10) Force (Final Score)
The Toyota Cheetahs and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein at 15:00 SA Time (13:00 GMT, 21:00 AWST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Rebels (10) 27 / 22 (8) Force (Final Score)
The Melbourne Rebels and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
AAMI Park, Melbourne at 08:05 SA Time (06:05 GMT, 16:05 AEST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Force (3) 13 / 17 (17) Blues (Final Score)
The Western Force and Blues did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
nib Stadium, Perth at 11:40 SA Time (09:40 GMT, 17:40 AWST, 21:40 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Sunwolves (5) 22 / 40 (26) Force (Final Score)
The Sunwolves and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo at 07:15 SA Time (05:15 GMT, 14:15 Japan Time, 13:15 AWST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Force (13) 20 / 42 (18) Bulls (Final Score)
The Western Force and Vodacom Bulls did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
nib Stadium, Perth at 13:05 SA Time (11:05 GMT, 19:05 AWST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Force (6) 13 / 49 (17) Waratahs (Final Score)
The Western Force and Waratahs did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
nib Stadium, Perth at 11:40 SA Time (09:40 GMT, 17:40 AWST, 19:40 AEST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Force (6) 19 / 20 (13) Crusaders (Final Score)
The Western Force and Crusaders did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
the Perth Oval, Perth at 13:00 SA Time (11:00 GMT, 19:00 AWST, 23:00 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Highlanders (14) 32 / 20 (14) Force (Final Score)
The Highlanders and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin at 08:35 SA Time (06:35 GMT, 19:35 NZ Time, 14:35 AWST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Chiefs (12) 53 / 10 (10) Force (Final Score)
The Chiefs and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
FMG Stadium, Hamilton at 08:35 SA Time (06:35 GMT, 19:35 NZ Time, 14:35 AWST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Hurricanes (10) 41 / 6 (3) Force (Final Score)
The Hurricanes and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North at 08:35 SA Time (06:35 GMT, 19:35 NZ Time, 14:35 AWST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Force (7) 14 / 31 (17) Brumbies (Final Score)
The Western Force and Brumbies did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
nib Stadium, Perth at 13:05 SA Time (11:05 GMT, 19:05 AWST, 21:05 AEST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Reds (3) 3 / 22 (9) Force (Final Score)
The Reds and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane at 10:45 SA Time (08:45 GMT, 19:45 AEDT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Force (13) 19 / 25 (17) Rebels (Final Score)
The Western Force and Melbourne Rebels did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
nib Stadium, Perth at 12:55 SA Time (10:55 GMT, 18:55 AWST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Richie Arnold
Perth based Super Rugby franchise the Western Force have signed Queensland Country lock Richie Arnold adding size to their forward pack for 2016.
Arnold’s identical twin, lock Rory Arnold is at the Brumbies.
Richie stands at a towering 2,08m and weighs 127Kg – 7Kg heavier than his brother.
The 25-year-old would rank as the equal 2nd tallest player in Super Rugby history, alongside his brother and former Stormers lock, Andries Bekker, and only behind Lions lock JP du Preez (2,09m) – will join the Force as part of the club’s Wider Training Squad, as he looks to push for his Super Rugby debut in 2016.
Marcel Brache
Utility back Marcel Brache and front-rower Francois van Wyk will remain with the Western Force until at least the end of 2017 after signing extensions this week.
Brache played all but 1 match for the Western Australian club this year, having joined the Western Force from South Africa’s DHL Western Province for the 2014 season.
Having joined the Force with 41 Currie Cup caps to his name for Western Province and a Varsity Cup title with the University of Cape Town Ikey Tigers, the 28-year-old says he’s excited about continuing his rugby in Perth.
Peter Grant
New Western Force flyhalf Peter Grant says he’s excited to move to Perth where his parents and 2 uncles also live.
The Force on Wednesday officially confirmed the signing of the former Stormers and Springbok flyhalf on a 2-year deal.
Grant, 30, represented the Stormers for 9 seasons and the 5-Test Springbok most recently played a season with French Top 14 club, La Rochelle, having also played 4 seasons with Japanese Top League club, the Kobelco Steelers.
The move to Perth was made easier by Grant’s family connections there.
Ben Tapuai
The Western Force will inject additional experience into its young backline with the recruitment of Reds centre Ben Tapuai for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Tapuai will join the Force having played 66 Super Rugby matches across 7 seasons for the Reds, including starting at inside centre for the Queenslanders in their title-winning team in 2011.
The 26-year-old, who previously represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2006 and 2007, and Australian Under 20 (2008), has played Sevens Tests for the Wallabies, starting in 6 of them during the 2012 Rugby Championship and Spring Tour.
Head coach Michael Foley says Tapuai will bring further experience to his young midfield.
Ex-Springbok flyhalf Peter Grant is set to join the Western Force ahead of next year’s Super Rugby season.
Grant, who was released with a season to run on his contract at French club La Rochelle, looks a likely replacement for South African compatriot Sias Ebersohn, who has already been released.
According to The West Australian, Grant’s potential return to Super Rugby was opened due Wilhelm Steenkamp’s imminent signing for French club Brive for next season.
Steenkamp had limited game time last season and failed to impress the Force’s coaching staff at his time with the team.
The Force are allowed 3 overseas Test players and Grant would join former All Black scrumhalf Alby Mathewson and Tongan forward Steve Mafi.
Sias Ebersohn
The Western Force has released flyhalf Sias Ebersohn from his contract, allowing him to return to his native South Africa.
The 26-year-old, who joined the Force from the Bloemfontein-based Toyota Cheetahs ahead of the 2013 Super Rugby season, has played 43 matches – scoring 212 points – across his 3 seasons for the Western Australian club.
Ebersohn has made a strong contribution to the club over the past 3 seasons, including playing a key role during the club’s most successful season in 2014.
However, leading into the 2016 season, the club identified the need to inject additional experience into its young backline, which coincided with an opportunity for Ebersohn to return to South Africa.
Steve Mafi
Western Force lock / flank Steve Mafi took another step towards representing Tonga in this year’s World Cup after being selected in the Tongan Pacific Nations Cup squad.
The squad will have a strong Western Force presence with former Force hooker Elvis Taoine and former team staff Scott Anderson (Performance Analyst) and Rob Naish (Physiotherapist) also a part of the squad.
The tournament will be hosted in 3 countries – Fiji, United States of America and Canada with the opening match on 18 July with Tonga facing Fiji.