Perth, Australia – The Western Force have officially named a comprehensive 41-player extended training squad poised to compete in the forthcoming Super Rugby Men’s U19 Championship, kicking off next month.This announcement signals the Force’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of Rugby talent within Western Australia, building upon the foundation of the new Super Rugby AUS competition.
Squad Composition: A Blend of Experience and New Talent
Table of Contents
- 1. Squad Composition: A Blend of Experience and New Talent
- 2. Fortescue Academy Portrayal
- 3. Coaching Staff & Training Schedule
- 4. match Schedule & Broadcast Details
- 5. Squad Breakdown by Position
- 6. The Importance of Youth Development in Rugby
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions
- 8. What specific skills will be prioritized in the intensive training program to prepare players for Super Rugby demands?
- 9. Extended Force Squad Confirmed for Super Rugby U19s with Intensive training Program
- 10. Squad Announcement & Key Players
- 11. Intensive Training Program Details
- 12. Benefits of the Expanded Squad & Program
- 13. Case Study: Success Stories from Previous Force U19s
The majority of the selected players represent the emerging Under-19 talent pool sourced from RugbyWA’s Fortescue Premier Grade clubs. Notably, eight players hail from the prestigious Fortescue Academy, with an additional two recruits joining from the east coast. This demonstrates a wide geographical reach in the Force’s talent identification program.
Nine players from last year’s successful U19 squad have earned a return selection, bringing valuable experience to the team. These include Felix Cooper, William Crew, Kade Davis, Zavier Hawira, Billy Krsticevic, Peni Naqau, tamarangi Tunui, Alius Tutai, and Zane wesley. Their continued inclusion underscores the Force’s dedication to providing a pathway for consistent development.
Four players have impressively graduated from the 2024 U16s squad: Chase Bunce,Fatani Fatanitavake,Dozion Laupama,and Michael Turukawa. This progression highlights the effectiveness of the Force’s youth development system and provides a seamless transition for promising young athletes.
Fortescue Academy Portrayal
The Fortescue Academy is heavily represented within the squad, boasting eight members. Exciting winger Wallace Charlie, who recently debuted for Australia in the HSBC SVNS series, is a key inclusion. He is joined by fellow Academy members Zane Wesley, Manaia Te Tana, Nate Gallagher, Luke Holt-Brown, Brodie Mainwaring, Naqau, and Tamarangi Tunui, showcasing the Academy’s significant contribution to the Force’s pipeline.
Wests-Scarborough and Wanneroo have emerged as significant contributors, each providing seven players to the squad.Cottesloe follows with six, Southern Lions with five, and Nedlands with four, demonstrating the strength of the Fortescue Premier Grade competition.
Coaching Staff & Training Schedule
Damian Steele, Fortescue Academy Manager, will lead the team as Head Coach. He will be supported by experienced Fortescue Premier Grade Head Coaches Mike panoho (Nedlands) and Greg Jackson (Southern Lions). Inaugural Force midfielder Junior pelesasa will serve as the Team Manager, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.
The squad has already commenced training sessions, currently held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at UWA Sports Park. The schedule will transition to Tuesdays and Thursdays in September, ensuring optimal preparation for the championship.
match Schedule & Broadcast Details
The Force will host two home games at Palmyra RUFC‘s tompkins Park. They will face the ACT Brumbies on Sunday, September 21st, at 12:00 PM and the Queensland Reds on Sunday, September 28th, at 12:30 PM. The full fixture list will be announced shortly. all home games will be free to attend.
Fans can catch all the action live on rugby.com.au’s YouTube channel, with highlights also available on Stan Sport.
Squad Breakdown by Position
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| front-rowers | Cajun Arnfield, Shammah Auvaa, Charles Cairns, Lachlan Cook, Charlie Groom, Zavier Hawira, Billy Krsticevic, Dozion Laupama, Josh Pulu, Carter Tagaloasa, Zane wesley, Axel Wood |
| Locks | William crew, Hugh D’alessandro, Ashford Taumoepeau, manaia Te Tana, Xavier Vaul |
| Back-rowers | Felix Cooper, Nate Gallagher, luke Holt-Brown, Connor Hulme, Kaiya rihia, Rohan viskovich |
| Half-backs | Tom Lister, Brodie Mainwaring, Cruz Remi, Xavier Short, Tamarangi Tunui, Conan thiedeman |
| Centres & Back Three | Chase Bunce, Wallace Charlie, Kalani Chong Sue, Kade Davis, Fatani Fatanitavake, Chris Jansen, Iziah Lolohea, nathaniel Misa, Peni Naqau, Jock parkinson, Michael Turukawa, Alius Tutai |
Did You No? The Super Rugby U19 Championship provides a crucial stepping stone for young players aiming for professional careers in Super Rugby and beyond.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Wallace Charlie – his recent debut for Australia in the HSBC SVNS indicates a luminous future for this exciting winger!
What strategies do you think will be most crucial for the Western Force’s success in the U19 Championship? and how important are academy programs like the Fortescue Academy in developing future rugby stars?
The Importance of Youth Development in Rugby
Investment in youth rugby programs is increasingly recognized as vital for the long-term health of the sport. These programs, like the Fortescue academy, provide structured pathways for young players to develop their skills, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning. A 2023 World Rugby report highlighted a 15% increase in participation in youth rugby globally, demonstrating a growing awareness of this importance. Such initiatives allow for the identification of emerging talent, offering opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Super Rugby U19 Championship? It’s a competition showcasing the best Under-19 rugby players from Super Rugby franchises in Australia.
- Who is the Head Coach of the Western Force U19s? Damian Steele,the Fortescue Academy Manager,leads the team.
- Where will the Western Force play their home games? The games will be held at Palmyra RUFC’s Tompkins Park.
- Will the games be televised? All games will be streamed live on rugby.com.au’s youtube channel with highlights on Stan Sport.
- How many players are in the Western Force U19 extended squad? The squad consists of 41 players.
- What is the role of the Fortescue Academy? The Fortescue Academy identifies and develops talented young rugby players in Western Australia.
- When does the Super Rugby U19 Championship start? The championship starts next month (September).
Share your thoughts on the Western Force’s squad selection and predictions for the U19 Championship in the comments below!
What specific skills will be prioritized in the intensive training program to prepare players for Super Rugby demands?
Extended Force Squad Confirmed for Super Rugby U19s with Intensive training Program
Squad Announcement & Key Players
The Western Force have today announced an expanded squad for the 2025 Super Rugby U19s competition. This year’s team boasts 30 players, a meaningful increase from previous years, reflecting the Force’s commitment to developing the next generation of Australian rugby stars. The extended squad allows for greater depth and competition for places, fostering a high-performance surroundings.
Key players to watch include:
Flyhalf,Kai Broadhurst: A standout performer in recent trials,known for his tactical kicking and creative playmaking.
winger, zara Al-Masri: Exceptional speed and finishing ability, poised to make a significant impact on the scoreboard.
Lock, Ben Carter: A powerful and mobile forward, providing strength and dynamism to the pack.
Scrum-half, Leo Thompson: Quick service and excellent game management skills.
The full squad list is available on the Western Force website [link to official squad list]. This increased investment in youth rugby advancement signals a strong future for the Force and Australian rugby as a whole. Focus areas for player selection included youth rugby talent,emerging rugby players,and Super Rugby pathways.
Intensive Training Program Details
Alongside the squad announcement, the Force unveiled a complete and intensive training program designed to prepare the U19s team for the challenges of Super Rugby competition. The program, led by Head Coach Dwayne Nestor and his team, will focus on several key areas:
- Strength & Conditioning: A tailored program designed to build power, endurance, and injury resilience. This includes gym sessions,field sprints,and recovery protocols.
- Skills Development: Dedicated sessions focusing on core rugby skills – passing, tackling, rucking, mauling, and kicking. Emphasis will be placed on refining technique and decision-making under pressure.
- Tactical Awareness: Video analysis, classroom sessions, and on-field drills to develop players’ understanding of game strategy, set-piece plays, and defensive structures.
- Mental Skills Training: Workshops and individual sessions with sports psychologists to enhance mental toughness, focus, and resilience. This is crucial for handling the pressures of high-level competition.
- Nutrition & Recovery: Expert guidance on optimal nutrition and recovery strategies to maximize performance and minimize injury risk.
The program will run full-time for 12 weeks, culminating in a series of pre-season matches against other Super Rugby U19s teams. Rugby training programs, youth athlete development, and high-performance coaching are central to this initiative.
Benefits of the Expanded Squad & Program
The expanded squad and intensive training program offer numerous benefits for the players and the Western Force organization:
Increased Competition: More players vying for positions will drive higher performance standards and encourage continuous improvement.
Greater Depth: The larger squad provides greater resilience to injuries and allows for tactical versatility during matches.
Enhanced Skill Development: The intensive training program will accelerate players’ skill development and prepare them for the demands of Super Rugby.
Improved Player Pathways: The program strengthens the pathway for young players to progress from club rugby to the professional ranks.
Stronger Force Culture: Investing in youth development fosters a strong sense of club culture and loyalty.
This initiative directly addresses the need for rugby player development, Super Rugby talent identification, and Western Force academy programs.
Case Study: Success Stories from Previous Force U19s
The Western Force have a proven track record of developing talented young players through their U19s program. Several players from previous squads have gone on to represent the Force in Super Rugby, including:
bryce Hegarty: A product of the Force academy, Hegarty has become a key player for the Queensland Reds and has represented Australia A.
Feleti Kaitu’u: A powerful prop who progressed through the Force’s development pathways to become a super Rugby regular.
Issak Fines: A versatile back who has represented Australia at U20s level and is currently contracted with the Force.
These success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of the
