Western Force 2020
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ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Good pick-up Matt Hodgson
All Black Richard Kahui joining WF for SRAu 2020
Kahui made 17 All Blacks appearances including the victorious 2011 World Cup final, his last appearance for New Zealand in a career blighted by injury.
One of his most famous moments came in the semifinal of the tournament, with a crunching textbook tackle on Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper. He scored the first of 10 All Blacks tries on debut against England from the wing where he played much of career, but now plays in midfield.
Kahui lives on the Gold Coast with his family, moving back after the coronavirus crisis shut down the Japanese competition where he has been playing for Toshiba Brave Lupus.
He joined his new teammates at their Hunter Valley hub yesterday ahead of Friday’s clash with the unbeaten Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Former Wallaby, Force captain and now Global Rapid Rugby director of rugby Matt Hodgson said Kahui’s experience and knowledge would be invaluable.
“To bring someone like him into he squad is exciting. He’s someone who has been there, done it,” Hodgson said.
“After one day you can see why he is a world class player and what he is going to add to the group on-field and from Monday to Friday ... the one percenters.”
Kahui played Super Rugby for the Highlanders and helped the Chiefs to the 2012 title.
Utility Back (Centre, Wing)
35yo; 189cm; 103 kg
Super Rugby: 68 caps (Clan 8; Chiefs 60)
AB Tests: 17 caps
Toshiba Brave Lupus: 63 caps
All Black Richard Kahui joining WF for SRAu 2020
Kahui made 17 All Blacks appearances including the victorious 2011 World Cup final, his last appearance for New Zealand in a career blighted by injury.
One of his most famous moments came in the semifinal of the tournament, with a crunching textbook tackle on Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper. He scored the first of 10 All Blacks tries on debut against England from the wing where he played much of career, but now plays in midfield.
Kahui lives on the Gold Coast with his family, moving back after the coronavirus crisis shut down the Japanese competition where he has been playing for Toshiba Brave Lupus.
He joined his new teammates at their Hunter Valley hub yesterday ahead of Friday’s clash with the unbeaten Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Former Wallaby, Force captain and now Global Rapid Rugby director of rugby Matt Hodgson said Kahui’s experience and knowledge would be invaluable.
“To bring someone like him into he squad is exciting. He’s someone who has been there, done it,” Hodgson said.
“After one day you can see why he is a world class player and what he is going to add to the group on-field and from Monday to Friday ... the one percenters.”
Kahui played Super Rugby for the Highlanders and helped the Chiefs to the 2012 title.
Utility Back (Centre, Wing)
35yo; 189cm; 103 kg
Super Rugby: 68 caps (Clan 8; Chiefs 60)
AB Tests: 17 caps
Toshiba Brave Lupus: 63 caps
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
There is no limit on the size of the WF squad.
I understand that there may be more to come.
Forcefield
Ken Catchpole (46)
Developing young outside backs by bringing in an experienced older head to mentor and ensure young fellas aren't rushed in?
Fatprop, your post smacks of born to rule mentality. What do you expect us to do, roll over and go out there to lose? Seems to me you'd whinge if we recruited to win and whinge if we weren't competitive enough for the competition.
Given the Force's ability to stay alive for the last three years as Australia's third biggest player market, I'd say we are more focused on developing Aus rugby talent than just about anyone else.
Check yourself.
Fatprop, your post smacks of born to rule mentality. What do you expect us to do, roll over and go out there to lose? Seems to me you'd whinge if we recruited to win and whinge if we weren't competitive enough for the competition.
Given the Force's ability to stay alive for the last three years as Australia's third biggest player market, I'd say we are more focused on developing Aus rugby talent than just about anyone else.
Check yourself.
dru
David Wilson (68)
Yep, a couple of posts here I just don’t get. Personally I am really chuffed to see the Force back and hope it is not just a temporary situation.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
Should they? Their primary responsibility in terms of players should be to the local scene. Which I dare say they have more locals in their squad than the Brumbies and likely Rebels. But considering they were cut by RA and no longer fall under their direct mandate surely their goal should be to build as competitive squad as possible.
Now, I don't know how much Kahui will add. Could be little or could be a lot. But considering past actions it's really up to them.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Reg I think it is smart business personally - like signing Holmes - you are getting more proven quality and experience to compete whilst developing the talent around those old experienced hands. Also lower commercial risk as not competing with others to have to offer long term contracts for these players so less commercial risk.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Well I am glad Reg you are not involved in proposed TT competitions discussions as you and I are certainly polar opposite on that view. Yep I like the force recruitment approach but that is just me and each to their own.
B
Bobby Sands
Guest
The Force will save Australian professional rugby at this rate. Wish Deegan was back there as he is your true 10.
Hope you belt everyone but The Reds.
Hope you belt everyone but The Reds.
dru
David Wilson (68)
It's a full page spread more than anywhere else in the country!
