Force 2023

[kiap]

At the time it was reported Jake Ball left Wales because his partner was living in Australia, True, it was reported as such. and Japan Top League presented an option which offered him more time at home with his family. I'm not sure how true that is. How about you? I only assume he went to Japan over Force because the pay disparity. Maybe.

I suspect he went to Japan for similar reasons most players go there - money, and less grind for that money.

Bearing in mind the Australian teams' low salary cap, how much money would you want to offer this bloke (rounded to the nearest 100k)?

 

[Adam84]

I suspect he went to Japan for similar reasons most players go there - money, and less grind for that money.

Bearing in mind the Australian teams' low salary cap, how much money would you want to offer this bloke (rounded to the nearest 100k)?

Can only take him for what he said, anything more would be speculating. He even said he spoke to the Force before taking the Japan offer. I’d say an Australian club could offer him $300-$400k, whereas he will get double that in Japan.

"They play a four-week block in Japan and then there's a week off. So the plan was to go back every four weeks to lend a hand.

The upside is the lengthy break between seasons. Whereas Ball might have had four weeks off before reporting back to duty in Wales, the break in Japan is somewhere closer to four months.

"It’s about quality of time with family and that’s the big difference here."

Jake Ball suddenly walked away from his Wales career to start a new life

The Wales second-row left Llanelli after nine years to be reunited with his family, with his fourth child born in Australia while Ball was still in Wales

www.walesonline.co.uk

 

[kiap]

Can only take him for what he said, anything more would be speculating. He even said he spoke to the Force before taking the Japan offer. I’d say an Australian club could offer him $300-$400k, whereas he will get double that in Japan.

Indeed.

And "reporting back to duty in Wales" ? Yeah, nah, and thank your mother for the rabbits.

 

[ForceFan]

Ryan McAauley (2023) and Will Sankey (2024) contract extensions announced.

 

[RugbyReg]

Ryan McCauley and Will Sankey both re-signed but not sure for how long

 

[Tazzmania]

Will Sankey two years
Ryan McCauley one year

The Western Force has secured its lock stocks, with Ryan McCauley and Will Sankey signing new deals to remain at the club.

McCauley joined the Force in 2021 and has become an important member of the second row having made 24 appearances over the past two Super Rugby seasons.

Having gained English Premiership experience with Exeter City during the previous off-season and enjoying consistent game time this year, the 25-year-old former Junior Wallaby has brought his game to a new level in 2022.

The 203cm lock can’t wait for the 2023 season to get underway after penning a one-year deal.

“I’m very grateful to re-sign and be able to stay at the Force for another season,” McCauley said. “It’s exciting to have Simon Cron join the club, as we’ve worked together before. I know the skillset he brings to the team, and I think he’ll complement the squad nicely.”

“I’m keen to continue developing my game here and give back to the Force, who I’ve grown to love during my time here.”

Fellow towering forward Sankey made his Super Rugby Pacific debut in Round 8 this year. The qualified carpenter heeded the call to join the Force while plying his trade.

Having previously played for the Canberra Vikings in the National Rugby Championships, 24-year-old Sankey has put pen to paper on a two-year contract after impressing in his three appearances during the 2022 campaign.

“I got a taste of Super Rugby this year, and I’m stoked to be involved with the Western Force for a couple more years,” Sankey explained. “I was on site as a carpenter when I got the initial call about potentially playing for the Force, so I grabbed it with both hands. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine, so it’s been great that it’s worked out the way it has.” “I’m hoping we can play some consistent rugby and climb the ladder. I’m ready to do my part and work hard for the club.”

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

When is Ryan McCauley going to learn he is +200cm/+115kgs and play like it?

 

[Kevin77]

When is Ryan McCauley going to lean he is +200cm/+115kgs and play like it?

Yeah, he's got all the physical attributes but sadly you can't coach aggression

 

[RugbyReg]

Confirmed departures.

 

[Equalizer]

Damn....was hoping to hold onto Michael McDonald. All great servants of the club. Particularly Godwin and Stander. Good luck and happy trails.

 

[farva]

Where are McDonald and Stander going?

 

[Wilson]

Where are McDonald and Stander going?

No information for either of them in the article:

Western Force thank and farewell departing players

The Western Force would like to extend their utmost gratitude to all departing players for their commitment, passion, and hard work during their time with the club.

westernforce.rugby

 

[ForceFan]

Where are McDonald and Stander going?

Stander I would think into retirement as his wife runs a very successful business in Perth.
Brynard has always put in his best effort for the WF and really earned his Nathan Sharpe medal in 2018.
Best wishes for all future endeavours bloke!

I personally rank McDonald and saddened by his moving on. He's a fine young man...
He declined Australia A selection as he didn't want to impact possible Ireland selection.
For various reasons, that aren't obvious/known to me, he struggled for selection/game time for both the Waratahs and the Western Force.
He always added new life to the team when he came onto the park, for very limited game time, during 2022.
I wish him every success and hope that we see him back in the West.

It's no wonder that we lose young talent when they can get no game time under our current structures.
We desperately need increased opportunities for developing players between Club and Super Rugby.

 

[Kevin77]

Stander I would think into retirement as his wife runs a very successful business in Perth.
Brynard has always put in his best effort for the WF and really earned his Nathan Sharpe medal in 2018.
Best wishes for all future endeavours bloke!

I personally rank McDonald and saddened by his moving on. He's a fine young man...
He declined Australia A selection as he didn't want to impact possible Ireland selection.
For various reasons, that aren't obvious/known to me, he struggled for selection/game time for both the Waratahs and the Western Force.
He always added new life to the team when he came onto the park, for very limited game time, during 2022.
I wish him every success and hope that we see him back in the West.

It's no wonder that we lose young talent when they can get no game time under our current structures.
We desperately need increased opportunities for developing players between Club and Super Rugby.

It's a strange one as I haven't heard any chatter of him getting picked up by an Irish province

 

[7137]

Stander I would think into retirement as his wife runs a very successful business in Perth.
Brynard has always put in his best effort for the WF and really earned his Nathan Sharpe medal in 2018.
Best wishes for all future endeavours bloke!

I personally rank McDonald and saddened by his moving on. He's a fine young man...
He declined Australia A selection as he didn't want to impact possible Ireland selection.
For various reasons, that aren't obvious/known to me, he struggled for selection/game time for both the Waratahs and the Western Force.
He always added new life to the team when he came onto the park, for very limited game time, during 2022.
I wish him every success and hope that we see him back in the West.

It's no wonder that we lose young talent when they can get no game time under our current structures.
We desperately need increased opportunities for developing players between Club and Super Rugby.

He would have got plenty of game time (well more) if he stayed at the Tahs for 2021 given the injuries. Hindsight is always 20:20

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Not sure where this post belongs, but RugbyWA have released some numbers about the level of schools engagement they've been doing. There is real effort in terms of broadening the base of the game here and it's to be applauded. BTW, North and South reflect relative position in terms of the Swan River, that great dividing line in our fair city.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

He would have got plenty of game time (well more) if he stayed at the Tahs for 2021 given the injuries. Hindsight is always 20:20

No doubt.

I get Mack Hansen feelings here. I can already hear Irelands Call 2027 RWC

Rae Rae

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

It's a strange one as I haven't heard any chatter of him getting picked up by an Irish province

No doubt.

I get Mack Hansen feelings here. I can already hear Irelands Call 2027 RWC

Rae Rae

 

[7137]

To move to Ireland and keep himself eligible isnt I expect about the easiest path to a RWC. It’s not like anyone has 9 locked down in Aus at the moment and there are some pretty bloody handy 9’s in Ireland.
I think what there is to be read from this is he’s a passionate Irishman. So good luck to the lad.

 

[Kevin77]

View attachment 14154

Well there you go.
Ulster it is

best of luck to him

hope he makes a success of it and ends up an international