News

Force sign extra cover for 2010

July 15 2009

Western Force have continued to rebuild after the departures of Matt Giteau and Tamaiti Horua by signing three junior Australia internationals ahead of the new Super 14 season.

The Perth franchise are facing up to life without the Brumby-bound playmaker in 2010 after what was arguably his best individual term to date.

But RugbyWA General Manager Mitch Hardy believes that this new trio - number eight Ben McCalman, centre Mitchell Inman and scrum-half Mark Swanepoel - will add significant depth to the squad that also recently signed Andre Pretorius, Tim Fairbrother and Nic Henderson.

Inman and McCalman have both agreed two-year contracts at the franchise while the South African-born Swanepoel, who could have represented the Springboks or All Blacks before committing his future to Australia, signs a one-year rookie deal.

"We see Ben as a similar type to Browny and Tamaiti Horua. He's an aggressive, abrasive type of back-rower which suits our game," Hardy said, speaking to AAP.

"Mark and Mitch both have plenty of potential and we expect to see them press their claims for selection during the 2010 season.

"We will have competition for places in the squad across the board next season, which is exactly what we want."