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Nick TaylorThe West Australian
Wednesday, 23 May 2018 11:47AM
Western Force have stepped up their audacious campaign to lure home star Australian players from Europe and Japan – and number one on their list is former Force favourite Matt Giteau.
It is understood the club has been in talks with the 103-Test veteran and other former Wallabies including Adam-Ashley Cooper and Lachie Turner.
The Force aim to bring players back for stage two of mining billionaire Andrew Forrest‘s rugby revolution following this year's World Series Rugby.
There are an estimated 150 Australians playing overseas - 75 per cent with Super Rugby experience -and Forrest's plan could help stop the drain to Europe and Japan.
Force head of high performance and former captain Matt Hodgson confirmed talks were taking place with some big name players.
"It’s true that we are taking calls from player managers, and making some of our own enquiries, around a range of high profile players potentially joining Western Force in 2019 and beyond," Hodgson said.
“However those conversations remain private and we would never comment publicly about individual negotiations.
“The initial success of Word Series Rugby has definitely caused waves in all parts of the rugby world and we are very excited about that.
“Rest assured, just like when All Black Jeremey Thrush joined the Force last week, we will waste no time alerting our fans and the WA sporting public."
The shape of the next two years' competition is yet to be decided but the success of the first two WSR games - Force wins over Fijian and Tongan sides in front of the biggest rugby crowds in Australia this year - has given Forrest's management team confidence to move forward.
The 2019 competition may look different because it is a World Cup year with 2020 also the year that struggling Super Rugby has to negotiate its new broadcast deals.
Forrest vowed to return players to Australia when he launched his competition, saying he was prepared to go “toe-to-toe” with cashed-up European and Japanese clubs.
“Hey boys, it’s time to come home," he said.
“We will be providing the capital so we can attract the best players back to Australian shores and those who are tempted by more generous packages overseas."
Giteau’s high-profile switch from the Brumbies to the Force in 2007 made him the biggest-paid player in Australia at the time, believed to have been a $1.5 million a year package that included corporate sponsorship and Rugby Australia top-ups.
He returned to the Brumbies after three years before signing for Toulon in 2011 and moving to Suntory Goliath last year.
He is still the Force’s second highest season points scorer with 128 in 2009.
Ashley-Cooper, who has 116 Wallabies appearances, played for the Brumbies and Waratahs and is currently with Kobe Steelers after a couple of years at Bordeaux.
Turner, who played for the Waratahs and Reds, moved to Exeter Chiefs from Toulon in 2016 and will finish his UK career on Saturday in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham.
In other Force news, centre Rodney Iona has become the first player from re-born club to be picked for international honours.
Iona is in the Manu Samoa squad for next month’s Pacific Nations Cup and Rugby World Cup qualifying matches.
Samoa face Fiji and Tonga in Suva before home and away tests against Germany or Portugal for a place at next year’s World Cup in Japan.
Iona, 25, moved from the Brumbies to French club Beziers for two seasons in 2016 and had a brief spell with Santboiana in Spain before joining the Force.
Force head of high performance Matt Hodgson said selection was recognition of Iona’s performances in the wins over Fiji and Tonga.
“We’re pretty excited for him. It is recognition of the hard work he has put in and playing 160 minutes of football against high level opposition,” Hodgson said.
“That would have pushed him into the front of selectors minds because he was in a bit in no- man’s land before coming to us.
“You never know whether his games in Europe get picked up by broadcasters, but coming back to Australia, playing in televised games and against Oceanic teams, the selectors would have had a chance to view his games.
“The only disappointing this is he may our games against the Crusaders and Samoa.”
https://thewest.com.au/sport/western...-ng-b88844678z
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I'm guessing, given the bad blood which appeared to be present after he left, that Rabbit won't be invited back; or at least not for the Force.
I recall the POTY night after he left had Hodgo, Pocock and Brown Dog as the player guests; someone asked if they had any thoughts on him and Hodgo had to restrain Brown Dog from getting to the mike!
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon
You know what, sometimes I think we should bring 'em all back. Just for the sheer bloody sake of it.
Except for Pocock, BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
You really want Drew back?
"12 Years aSupporter" starring the #SeaOfBlue
Ha ha haaa. I knew that would come up.
I'll only take Drew back if we get Henjak, O'Connor and Daruda with him! Then we have a deal my friend!
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
I thought we were gonna grab Dan Carter... am I dreaming?
so the changing rooms are now safe?