Force leadership group confirmed for three-game SA spring tour

Tue, Sep 17, 2024, 5:45 PM
Ben Somerford

https://westernforce.rugby/news/forc...g-tour-2024917

The leadership group for the Western Force’s upcoming Spring Series tour in South Africa has been confirmed with Reed Prinsep to captain the squad in Jeremy Williams’ absence.

The Force are set to depart for South Africa on Wednesday 25 September for three games against the Cheetahs and Emerging Ireland in Bloemfontein as part of the Toyota Challenge, before a behind-closed-doors clash with the DHL WP XV in Stellenbosch.

The tour is geared towards playing high-level opposition with international-quality players, alongside enhancing player and staff development.

As part of that, the Club will explore different roles and offer development opportunities, with Force defence coach Eggleston to step in for Simon Cron as head coach.

Experienced back-rower Prinsep will lead the side as skipper in the absence of regular captain Williams and vice-captain Nic White who are unavailable due to Wallabies duty.

Prinsep, who previously played 71 Super Rugby games with the Hurricanes, impressed in his debut campaign for the Force in 2024 as the side’s leading forward for metres gained (220 from 82 carries) while he had the side’s third most tackles (164) across the season.

Prinsep will be supported by 15-cap Wallaby Sam Carter and 2024 Rising Star winner Henry Robertson as vice-captains.

Acting head coach Will Eggleston said: “Reed is a leader by actions. He’s got captaincy experience with Canterbury in the NPC and has played for the Maori All-Blacks and the Hurricanes.

“He doesn’t say too much but when he does, people listen. He leads by doing and in South Africa we’ll need that.

“He’ll be ably supported by our Rising Star winner Henry Robertson and former Wallaby Sam Carter.

“Henry has shown great leadership capabilities at such a young age. Sam is a former Wallaby with big-game experience and touring experience. He’s a calm head and also leads by actions.”

As part of the opportunities, strength and conditioning coach Rob Fowkes will lead the performance program, while physiotherapist Ben Pattenden will take charge of the medical staff.

South Africa-born former Force prop Chris Heiberg will join as forwards coach for the tour. Heiberg is currently an assistant coach for the Force’s women’s side and RugbyWA’s Academy head coach.

The travelling party will fly out of Perth on Wednesday 25 September. Stan Sport will stream the two Toyota Challenge games in Bloemfontein before the behind-closed-doors clash with the DHL WP XV in Stellenbosch.

Prior to that, the Force will play Perth Gold in a warm-up game from 2:30pm WST on Saturday 21 September at UWA Sports Park (free entry).

Western Force spring tour matches:

Thursday 3 October, 1am WST: Cheetahs vs Western Force, Bloemfontein (Stan Sport)

Sunday 6 October, 7pm WST: Emerging Ireland vs Western Force, Bloemfontein (Stan Sport)

Saturday 12 October, 9pm WST: DHL WP XV vs Western Force, Stellenbosch (behind closed doors) (???)