Williams to lead Force in 2024, Wells & White named vice-captains

Feb 16 • Australia, General News, International, National, Super Rugby • 350 Views • Comments Off on Williams to lead Force in 2024, Wells & White named vice-captains

The Western Force have appointed Jeremy Williams as the Club’s new Super Rugby Pacific captain with support from new vice-captains Michael Wells and Nic White for the 2024 season.

Williams, 23, becomes the eighth men’s captain in Club history, fresh from a breakout 2023 season where he finished in Super Rugby’s top three for lineouts performers.

The 195cm lock joined the Force in late 2022 from the NSW Waratahs and has developed into a leader within the group, winning the Force Man Award in 2023. Inaugural Force captain Nathan Sharpe ranks among Williams’ idols.

Williams takes over as captain from 30-year-old back-rower Wells who, alongside 33-year-old off-season recruit and Wallabies scrum-half White, will provide valuable experience as his deputies.

Force head coach Simon Cron said the new leadership group was about setting the Club up for the future.

“It’s our pleasure to appoint Jeremy as the Club’s Super Rugby Pacific captain, with the support of Michael Wells and Nic White as vice-captains,” Cron said.

“A big part of this decision is looking to the future for someone who can help drive the leadership forward over the next couple of years.

“We thought Wellsy did a brilliant job in 2023 and we’ve decided it’s the right time to transition with a view to the future.

“Jeremy is a fantastic young man. He has a lot of respect from the playing group, he played big minutes for us last year and he leads by doing.

“The job of Wellsy and Whitey as vice-captains is to help support Jeremy. All great leadership teams work as a collective group and we are no different.”

Sydney-born Williams, who has 29 Super Rugby caps to his name, said he was honoured to be named Force captain.

“It’s a massive privilege and honour to lead this Club,” Williams said. “I genuinely cannot wait to lead the boys out this year and am really excited for the season ahead after all the work we’ve done this pre-season.

“I believe that I am a leader by example but also know that my captaincy style will evolve with time so I’m thrilled to have the support of Michael Wells and Nic White around me, given their vast experiences.

“They’re going to play a massive role in helping me and guiding me through the journey, so I’m really excited to work alongside those guys.”

Williams’ vice-captains Wells and White boast more than 200 Super Rugby caps between them, with the latter also playing 63 times for the Wallabies including at two World Cups.

Wells brought up his 100^th Super Rugby appearance in the penultimate round last season for the Force, while White moved from the Brumbies to the west in the off-season.

Cron added: “Whitey and Wellsy are two of our most experienced players. Whitey is a genuine international with unmatched experience, Wellsy has played over 100 Super Rugby games.

“The two of them have been captains before, they’re great leaders. That experience will be critical for the team on and off the field.”

The Force open their 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season on Friday 23 February against the Hurricanes at HBF Park from 7pm. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.