WALLABIES STAR SIGNS WITH FORCE

Sep 21 • Australia, General News, International, National • 1018 Views • Comments Off on WALLABIES STAR SIGNS WITH FORCE

Super Rugby AU champion Tevita Kuridrani will move west to join the Western Force for the 2021 season.

Kuridrani burst onto the international scene just a year after making his Super Rugby debut in 2012, winning his first Wallabies cap in 2013 against the All Blacks in Sydney.

The Fijian-born centre joins the club from the newly-crowned Super Rugby AU 2020 champions, the ACT Brumbies, where he has spent his entire illustrious Super Rugby career so far.

Kuridrani established himself as Australia’s premier number 13, scoring a try against New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup final and finishing as the Wallabies’ top try-scorer during the 2016 season after a world-class Spring Tour.

In 2017, he enjoyed a historic Wallabies campaign as he became the 28th player to score 100 career Test points for Australia.

The powerful 29-year-old, known for his explosive running and elite off-load skills, has won a total of 61 caps for the Wallabies, while also earning selection for coveted invitational side the Barbarians.

Kuridrani says he can’t wait to begin a new chapter in his career and take on the fresh challenges that await him at the Force.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Western Force and being in a new environment,” Kuridrani explained.

“I played with Kyle Godwin at the Brumbies, so I’m looking forward to playing alongside him again.”

Head of rugby Matt Hodgson believes Kuridrani is a massive addition for the club.

“This is a top-class signing that further bolsters our midfield,” Hodgson said.
“He brings a wealth of experience, professionalism and athleticism to the squad. To have made over 60 appearances for the Wallabies and scoring 100 points is no small feat, so to have a player of Kuridrani’s stature at the Western Force is simply fantastic.”

Head coach Tim Sampson echoed Hodgson’s thoughts.

“We are delighted to have secured a player of his calibre for next season,” Sampson said.

“Tevita is a class player and has contributed immensely to Australian rugby over the years. I remember watching him when he first came onto the scene as a youngster in Brisbane and suspected then he was a player who was going to go all the way.

“The discussions I have had with Tevita, he is very excited about moving to Perth, knuckling down and starting fresh at a new club.”

More player announcements can be expected in the coming weeks.