Nine New Faces Inducted into New High-Level Western Force Academy

Western Force is looking to the future by inducting nine players into the new top tier of Western Force Senior Academy.

Academy chief executive Chris Goodman said the club is focused on securing and investing in players who will be ready for the Super Rugby team over the next several years to create a sustainable future.

“It’s about building the next generation. It’s about developing the players, â€Goodman said.

“We won’t have to look elsewhere because these actors are already anchored in our language, our systems and our processes.

The academy will have around 25 players.

The upper level will train full time with the Force, the second level will join the main team in selected sessions, the younger group will train at times that allow them to work or study.

Local club Siosifa Amone players Alex Masibaka, Luke Callan and Connor Seve were all in this year’s Junior Wallabies training camp.

“For Sifa, Alex, Luke and Connor, it really shows that our path is going to work in the next couple of years,†Goodman said.

“Australian rugby is investing in them as well and they have been identified as players of national interest.”

Rupeni Mataele joins his older brother, the new recruit of the New Zealand Force Manasa Mataele.

“Rupeni is a real special player, a bit like his brother Manasa, he is a big ball carrier, very well classified in New Zealand circles and for us, attracting him here is a big victory for us”, a Goodman said.

Speedster Jordan Williams is leaving the Australian Sevens program.

“Jordan has a lot of speed and his footwork is exceptional,†said Goodman.

Wallabies junior mainstay Andrew Romano has moved from Queensland.

“He’s another player of national interest. You don’t often get guys this size with his mobility and skills, so we’re very happy to welcome him to the club, â€said Goodman.

Two other highly rated players by Rugby Australia are backrower Ned Slack-Smith and opening / fullback George Poolman.

“Ned is a player we are really happy to work with. Being able to attract a player of Ned’s ability is very exciting for us, â€said Goodman.

“George is a quality playmaker.

“We’re looking to build the next 10 and 15 for the senior team. By investing in a young man of his ability, we will be able to see these results in the next two years. “

New Level 1 Academy Members: Props Andrew Romano and Siosifa Amone, Full Back George Poolman, Wingers Rupeni Mataele and Jorden Williams, Full Back Rower Ned-Slack Smith, Alex Masibaka, and Second Rowers Luke Callan and Connor Sap.