EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE WELCOME NEW SIGNINGS

[RugbyWA]

The Emirates Western Force welcomed their two newest recruits this morning as the squad continues to take shape ahead of the 2009 Investec Super 14 season.

With their teammates enjoying a well-earned breather today after an intense opening two weeks of pre-season training, scrumhalf Josh Valentine and lock/flanker Richard Stanford began their preparations for the season by getting to know their new surrounds at Perry Lakes.

A four-Test Wallaby, Valentine signed a one-year contract with the WA side in August and is primed to challenge for the No.9 jersey after two seasons with the Waratahs.

Valentine said his decision to come to Perth was based purely on rugby.

“From a rugby perspective joining the Emirates Western Force was the easiest decision I’ve ever made,” said Valentine.

“While it’s tough to leave mates behind in Sydney, this was certainly the best move for me from a career point of view.”

The Singleton-raised halfback made just two appearances for the Waratahs in 2008, playing behind current Wallabies No.9 Luke Burgess.

“I’ve got a great opportunity to challenge for the starting job here and my first goal is to get back to playing rugby week-in, week-out at Super 14 level,” he said.

Richard Stanford, a towering lock-cum-flanker signed off on a one-year deal with the Emirates Western Force last Friday.

The former Australian Schoolboys, Under 19s and Under 21s forward moves to Perth after three seasons with the Brumbies, where he won six caps.

The 22 year old utility is yet to start a Super 14 match, having made all six of his appearances from the reserves bench, and each of them in the 2007 season.

Both players will commence training in their new colours when the squad returns from a two-day break tomorrow (Tuesday).

FACT FILE

Josh Valentine

Position:Scrumhalf

Physical: 1.76m, 83kg

Age: 25 (Born 22/2/1983, Newcastle, NSW)

Super 14 Caps: 51 (13 Waratahs; 38 Reds)

Super 14 Points: 25 (5t)

Super 14 Debut: 2003 v Brumbies, Brisbane (Reds)

Representative Honours: Australian Schoolboys (2001), Australian Under 21’s (2003-2004), Australia A, Australian Wallabies (2006).

Richard Stanford

Position:Lock/flanker

Physical: 1.98m, 110kg

Age: 22 (Born 25/4/1986, Dubbo, NSW)

Super 14 Caps: 6 (with Brumbies)

Super 14 Points: 0

Super 14 Debut: 2007 v Chiefs, Hamilton

Representative Honours: Australian Schoolboys (2003-2004), Australian Under 19’s (2005) Australian Under 21’s (2005-2006)

More...

[James]

On the topic of new signings I found this snippet on the rugbyheaven.com.au website:

Meanwhile, Western Force are expected to appoint former England World Cup-winning prop Trevor Woodman as a scrum consultant.

Woodman, who was England's loose-head at the 2003 World Cup, has been coaching Sydney University's scrum for the past two years.

Very interesting.

[AndyS]

I really hope so. Never mind shopping in some expat player, finding someone who really knows and can coach the scrum would have to be the best use of money for the Force. We don't lack one player, we lack a cohesive pack.

[Thequeerone]

Yeap I rate our front row - they just need a bit more confidence/ technique they are certainly aerobically and size wise up to the job - that is what I was hoping Bismark Du Pleiss would give em - a world class teacher might be even better !

Does that mean we get to keep Tai as well !

[lara93]

great news to hear

[fulvio sammut]

What local club has Valentine been hooked up with?

[Thequeerone]

They get pointed in a direction and if they choose to go there it's up to them -

[fulvio sammut]

Let me rephrase the question - what local club has Valentine hooked up with?

[Flamethrower]

Why are you still sitting looking at the computer fulvio?????

Hunt the boy down

[brokendown gunfighter]

seeing Uni got so much use out of a former Pally 5/8th,i suggest he go there

[fulvio sammut]

But half of Nedlands will be there next year. Will he get a look in?

[Burgs]

I personally think we have the weakest starting #9 options of all four Australian teams, so probably not Fulv

[fulvio sammut]

Have faith Burgs. The change in scenery, new team mates, new coach, may do Valentine the world of good.

Maybe each fixture will turn out to be Valentine's day, and we'll grow to love him....

[AndyS]

I personally think we have the weakest starting #9 options of all four Australian teams, so probably not Fulv

I am inclined to agree and, while obviously having fingers crossed, have question marks over Valentine. That said, I did like the statement in one of the other articles that "...Valentine, who does his own negotiations, opted for a one-year deal in the belief he will do sufficiently well to earn a significant pay increase in following years...". He won't be lacking motivation at least and let's hope he proves a great investment.

[Burgs]

Have faith Burgs. The change in scenery, new team mates, new coach, may do Valentine the world of good.

Maybe each fixture will turn out to be Valentine's day, and we'll grow to love him....

Maybe...
You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear though.