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Western Force 2011

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farva

farva

Vay Wilson (31)
Nathan Charles has signed on for two years now.

The Emirates Western Force has bolstered its playing stocks by securing the services of up and coming hooker Nathan Charles for the next two years.

Charles joined the Force on a short term injury replacement contract in the latter part of this season and made an immediate positive impression on coaching staff and his new team mates.

He also established a loyal fan following after a gut busting length of the field run at ME Bank Stadium against the Crusaders led to the try which secured victory against the star studded Kiwis.

"I’m really looking forward to the next two years with the Emirates Western Force. It is a great set-up and I’ll be working hard to further my development and establish myself in Australian rugby," Charles said.

An Australian U20's representative in 2008 and 2009, Charles was part of the Brumbies Academy but jumped at the opportunity to come to Perth and show his wares at Super Rugby level.

“It shows that if work hard enough and keep persisting then your opportunities will come,” said General Manager of Rugby Mitch Hardy.

“Nathan was knocking on the door during his time at the Brumbies Academy and when we asked him to come across and fill-in on a short term contract he saw that it was his opportunity to play well and show that he has a long term future at Super 14 level and that is what he has done.”

The young front rower made his Emirates Western Force debut in the club’s memorable last gasp win against the Stormers and has played every match since. He’ll start against the Cheetahs on Saturday evening in Bloemfontein and share the all important throwing duties with fellow rake Ben Whittaker.

“Both Nathan and Ben’s development has been accelerated this year with the opportunities that they’ve been given and we’re confident that going forward we’ll get a great return from them,” said Hardy.
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RugbyReg

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
News flash, Dunning under the thumb

Former Wallabies prop Matt Dunning has received the all-clear from his wife to spend another Super rugby season at the Western Force, away from his family in Sydney.
Dunning's wife and two children remained in Sydney when he moved to Western Australia late last year and the 31-year-old had considered a move back east to be reunited with his family after just one season with the Force.

But the 115kg powerhouse, who made 11 appearances for the Force last season, will extend his stay in Perth after resisting the temptation to link up with new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels.

"There are plenty of people in other jobs that do it a lot tougher than we will so in the end we were happy to do the same thing next year," Dunning said of his family situation.

"I was really happy with the Force last season.

"The first half of the year was tough with so many injuries to contend with but the second half of the season you could see the potential of the team.

"They are a good bunch of guys and I was keen to come back again.

"If we can stay relatively injury free I'm sure we can have a good crack at it next year."

Dunning was disappointed not to make the Wallabies squad for Tests against Fiji, England and Ireland but hasn't given up hope of again representing Australia.

Force rugby manager Mitch Hardy said he expected Dunning to improve further with another season in Perth.

"Matt made a solid contribution to the squad in his first season and having a second year here will, I think, really see him flourish in the environment," Hardy said.

"He is pleased with how we've looked after him and managed his body and has enjoyed the opportunities that we've been able to offer him through the rugby programmes established in the west."
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sudrugby

sudrugby

Watty Friend (18)
I've seen that a Richard Stanford has signed with Honda Heat in Japan... is this the one playing for the Force?
 
Joe Mac

Joe Mac

Arch Winning (36)
I know they have both the best Australian opensides already but has anyone heard anything about Jono Jenkins getting a contract? Sydney Uni Player who ran played a few minutes for them this year before breaking his ankle. A great talent when he isn't injured.
 
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saulih

Guest
I am working on updating a few details of the current crop of players on Wikipedia. One detail that I have attempted to locate but eludes me is whether in WA there is a requirement for players to be registered to a local WA club or not? If they are, where does one find out who is registered with what club. While not a big deal, it is one piece of a players profile, that should be noted.

Anyone?
 
Ash

Ash

Michael Lynagh (62)
saulih; no, I don't think there is - many Force players still play in the Sydney premiership and appear to have no local affiliations with WA clubs. You're better off asking that at TWF, though.
 
fatprop

fatprop

George Gregan (70)
Staff member
saulih said:
I am working on updating a few details of the current crop of players on Wikipedia. One detail that I have attempted to locate but eludes me is whether in WA there is a requirement for players to be registered to a local WA club or not? If they are, where does one find out who is registered with what club. While not a big deal, it is one piece of a players profile, that should be noted.

Anyone?
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A lot play for Sydney Clubs, Warringah has a few

http://www.clubrugby.com.au/teams-shute-shield/2010/6/18/round-10.html
Western Force (2010): Keiran Longbottom (Eastwood), Dane Haylett-Petty (Gordon), Ben Whittaker (Gordon), Tim Fairbrother (Manly), Mark Swanepoel (Manly, reserve), Cameron Shepherd (Northern Suburbs), Nick Cummins (Randwick), Josh Tatupu (Southern Districts), Nathan Charles (Sydney University), Mitch Inman (Sydney University), Pek Cowan (Warringah), Sam Harris (Warringah), Tom Hockings (Warringah), Joelin Rapana (Warringah), Brett Sheehan (Warringah), Sam Wykes (West Harbour)
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RugbyReg

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
yeah I think they dropped that requirement. I actually believe it was pushed by Robbie Deans who wants his players playing top level footy when not playing the pro stuff.
 
RugbyReg

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
Gene confirmed:

FAIRBANKS JOINS THE FORCE
Wednesday, 23 June 2010 4:31pm
RugbyWA


Gene Fairbanks
The Emirates Western Force has bolstered their squad with the addition of talented back Gene Fairbanks on a two year deal.

It will be an eagerly awaited return to Super rugby for Fairbanks who notched 39 games with the Reds and Brumbies before signing with Honda for the 2009/10 Japanese season.

“A player of Gene’s experience and versatility will be a valuable acquisition for the Emirates Western Force,” RugbyWA CEO Vern Reid said.

“He has a strong knowledge of the game, can play a variety of positions in the back line and is a terrific character.

“We’re very happy to have Gene join us for the next two seasons,” said Mr Reid.

Fairbanks made his debut in 2003 for the Queensland Reds before heading to Canberra where he established himself as one of the competitions most courageous players.

After representing Australia at various age levels he was selected in the 2006 Wallabies squad and toured Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Renowned for his defense ferocity, the 27 year old will be a welcome addition to the Force back brigade and is excited by the potential of the playing stocks at the club.

“I wanted to spend a bit of time overseas travelling and to experience another culture and rugby but my plan all along was to return to Super rugby and to get that opportunity with the Force is something I’m really happy about,” Fairbanks said.

“I think the team is heading in a good direction, obviously injuries took their toll this season however there is a good culture at the club and I think there is plenty of upside to come.”

Currently playing alongside new Emirates Western Force team mate Nick Cummins at Randwick in the NSW 1st Grade competition, Fairbanks is looking forward to heading to WA and experiencing the unique lifestyle and rugby opportunities that are presented in the west.

“I’ve spent a fair bit of time in Perth in the past and think it is an amazing place. I’m close with quite a few guys who have previously played with the Force and they’ve always had great things to say about WA. From that perspective it has been quite an easy decision for me to join the Force.”

Name: Gene Fairbanks
Height: 174cm
Weight: 84kg
Date of Birth: 08/08/1982
Current Club: Randwick
Super 12/14 Points: 10 (2t)
Super 12/14 Caps: 38 (Brumbies) 1 (Reds)
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Tiger

Tiger

Alfred Walker (16)
There may be a fair bit of Queensland and Easts bias in this, but I really like Fairbanks and I'm pleased to see him getting a gig back in Australia
 
DPK

DPK

Peter Sullivan (51)
Fairbanks hasn't been very impressive in the Shute Shield so far this year. Im calling Dud on this purchase.
 
R

rugby_man

Guest
Watching Fairbanks at the moment in Shute Shield, he hasn't been too impressive. But I've seen him play before, especially at the Brumbies IIRC and he is a decent buy IMO. He is a good ball runner and hit holes well. He is a good acquisition to the Force backline IMO.
 
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