Force lure Daley to The West

Jul 6 • Australia, General News, International, Super Rugby • 1531 Views • Comments Off on Force lure Daley to The West

The Western Force is set to boost their front row experience with the signing of Queensland Reds prop Ben Daley for the 2017 season.

Daley will join the Force after 79 Asteron Life Super Rugby games across nine seasons for the Reds, including starting at loosehead prop in their championship-winning side in 2011.

The Sydney-born prop, who previously represented the Australian U19s side at the World Championships has played three tests for the Wallabies, starting in all three of the matches during the 2010 June Test window.

Daley says the move to Perth is an exciting one and can’t wait to reconnect with former teammates and prepare for a massive 2017 season.

“I’m very excited, I’ve spoken to a lot of the guys that I’ve played with at the Reds who have moved onto the Force like Jono Lance, Luke Morahan, Ben Tapuai and even Heath Tessmann who have all had wonderful things to say about the Force and I’m just looking forward to getting over there meeting the squad and adding as much value to the team as I can.”

“I’m hoping the transition will be nice and smooth, I’ve met and played with so many of the guys over there, even in Wallaby camp with the likes of Matt Hodgson and Ben McCalman who are great guys. So, I’m hoping they’ll welcome me over without too much ‘ribbing’, I’m just really looking forward to getting on deck and getting started.”

“There’s a lot of change going on and change is exciting. To be a part of that is something I’m really looking forward to and will definitely enjoy the fresh start along with the rest of the team.”

Interim Head Coach Dave Wessels says Daley brings a huge amount of experience to the Western Force forward pack.

“Everybody that we spoke to about Ben has said that he’s a fantastic character and he adds a lot to the team environment,” he said. “Certainly he’s experienced and he’s been around professional rugby a long time, so someone like that in our environment is going to be very valuable for us.”

“We have a number of young front row forwards that are developing so to have somebody that has been around the block will be very valuable and good for us as a team.”

The Western Force would also like to acknowledge the Queensland Reds for their professionalism during this negotiation process.