Western Force

The Western Force are Perth’s Super Rugby Pacific franchise, representing rugby union in Western Australia with determination and growing ambition. After being controversially cut from Super Rugby in 2017 by Rugby Australia, the Force spent several years competing in alternative competitions before earning their way back into Super Rugby Pacific. Their return has been a story of resilience and the strength of rugby in Western Australia.

Club History

The Western Force were founded in 2005 and entered Super Rugby in 2006, becoming the first professional rugby union team based in Perth. Despite competing in what is traditionally an AFL-dominated market, the Force built a loyal supporter base and provided a pathway for Western Australian rugby talent. The franchise’s early years featured competitive seasons and the development of several Wallabies including David Pocock, who became one of the club’s greatest players.

The darkest chapter came in 2017 when Rugby Australia controversially axed the Force from Super Rugby to reduce the number of Australian teams from five to four. The decision sparked outrage in Perth and led billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest to establish Global Rapid Rugby as an alternative competition for the Force. When Super Rugby was restructured as Super Rugby Pacific in 2022 with the inclusion of Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika, the Force were not initially included but successfully argued their case for reinstatement as the fifth Australian franchise.

Recent Form

Under coach Simon Cron, the Western Force have been working to establish themselves as a competitive force in Super Rugby Pacific. The isolation of Perth presents unique travel challenges, but the Force have used this to build a tight-knit squad culture. The team has focused on developing young talent from Western Australia while also recruiting experienced players to provide leadership. The ambition is to build a squad capable of consistently challenging for finals places and providing a genuine pathway for WA rugby players to reach Wallabies level.

Key Players

Ben Donaldson (Fly-half) - A talented young playmaker whose game management, kicking from hand and at goal, and composure beyond his years have marked him as one of Australian rugby’s brightest prospects.

Bayley Kuenzle (Fly-half/Utility) - A versatile back whose ability to cover multiple positions and provide reliable goalkicking gives the Force tactical flexibility.

Jeremy Williams (Lock) - A hard-working lock whose lineout ability, physicality, and workrate provide the Force with second-row reliability.

Home Ground

HBF Park (formerly known as Perth Rectangular Stadium) is the home of the Western Force. Located in East Perth, the 20,500-capacity venue provides an intimate atmosphere that suits rugby union perfectly. The ground’s modern facilities and compact design bring fans close to the action, creating a vocal and passionate environment for Force home matches. The Perth climate also ensures that early-season matches are played in warm, dry conditions ideal for expansive rugby.

Honours

• No Super Rugby titles to date
• The Force’s greatest achievement has been their successful return to top-level Australian rugby after being cut in 2017