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The Emirates Western Force has continued to bolster an international standard forward pack with the addition of Wallabies prop Salesi Ma’afu on a two year deal.
With 52 Super Rugby caps and 10 tests to his name, Ma’afu will complement a front row at the Emirates Western Force that includes test capped prop Pek Cowan, who recently signed a new three year deal, as well as up and coming West Aussie Kieran Longbottom and exciting young rakes Ben Whittaker and Nathan Charles.
“I’m at the point in my career where I felt I needed a new challenge and a change in environment, first and foremost for rugby and also for my family,” Ma’afu said.
“I enjoyed the six years in Canberra and think I have improved a lot as a player but saw a great opportunity in Perth with the Force and in the end it wasn’t a hard decision.
“I’m looking forward to coming across and playing with some really high calibre players, and specifically in the forwards with the likes of Nathan Sharpe and the all-Wallabies backrow led by David Pocock.
“It was very appealing to see the mix of youth and experience and also the depth in the squad. (Coach) Richard Graham has a very clear plan where he wants to take this team.
“I think a good culture is something that attracts players and I can see that the Force has that and I’m keen be part of it.”
Emirates Western Force Coach Richard Graham said it was important to bring a player with the experience and class of Ma’afu into the side and believes he will be an excellent replacement for the departing Tim Fairbrother.
“Good tightheads are difficult to find and in Salesi I believe we have recruited a genuine international front row forward,” Graham said.
“He brings a very physical approach and his work in the tight has developed over the past 24 months.
“His performances for Australia in the Tri-Nations illustrate what he can offer the Emirates Western Force,” Graham added.
Ma’afu is a specialist tighthead prop in his prime.
If not for a fractured right forearm suffered in the Brumbies loss to the Lions last Saturday night Ma’afu would have been lining up against his new side this weekend when the Canberra outfit travel to Perth.
An excellent set-piece exponent, the 28 year old is also a hard worker around the field and was rewarded with a Wallabies debut during last year’s inbound tests against Fiji, England and Ireland as well as Tri-Nations encounters against the Springboks and All Blacks.
“My goal heading to WA is to challenge for that number three jersey week in and week out,” Ma’afu said.
“It’ll be great to be amongst a new group of players and coaches and continuing to learn and develop. I’ll also bring my experience and I’m committed to make a positive contribution to the team.”
Coaching staff are also continuing to build the squad for the long term with impressive young prop Tetera Faulkner joining the club. The 22 year old has previously represented the Australian Schoolboys as well as the national U19 and U20 teams.
“I’m really excited about being part of the Super Rugby set-up in Perth, from the players I’ve spoken to they believe there is a strong culture within the organisation for improvement and contribution to the team,” Faulkner said.
“I have played alongside guys like Sam Wykes, Ben McCalman and David Pocock at different times in my junior rugby and have seen what they’ve been able to do when given an opportunity at the top level.
“It’s something I hope to be able to also make the most of and I think the move will be a really positive step for my rugby career.”
Currently in the Waratahs Academy, Faulkner will relocate to Perth following the NSW First Grade season, where he plays for Southern Districts, and is looking forward to developing alongside fellow Australian U20 front rowers Paul Alo-Emile, Cruze Ah-Nau and Siliva Siliva.
“Tetera has established himself in Sydney club rugby as the dominant loosehead,” Graham said.
“He adds to a young group of forwards that I believe can challenge our established group and be a significant part of the future success of our squad.”
Profile: Salesi Ma'afu
Position: Prop
DOB: 26/3/1983
Height: 184cm
Weight: 122kg
Super Rugby: Brumbies 52 Caps, 20 points (4t). Debut 2007 v Chiefs, Hamilton
International honours: Wallabies 10 caps. Debut 2010 v Fiji, Canberra
Profile: Tetera Faulkner
Position: Prop
DOB: 26/07/1988
Height: 184cm
Weight: 114kg
Clubs: Waratahs Academy, Brumbies Academy, Southern Districts (NSW 1st Grade)
Honours: Australian Schoolboys, Australian U19, Australian U20
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