1
‘I’m excited to be back’: Western Force sign Wallaby Isi Naisarani
By AAP
The Western Force's forward stocks have been given a big boost after signing Wallabies enforcer Isi Naisarani for the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Naisarani burst onto the scene while playing for the Force in 2017, winning the Australian Super Rugby player-of-the-year award in his first season as a professional.
The 28-year-old went on to spend stints at the Brumbies (2018) and Rebels (2019-21), and more recently played for the Shizuoka Blue Revs in the Japan Rugby League One side.
The Fijian-born forward featured for the Wallabies at the 2019 World Cup and has 61 caps of Super Rugby experience to his name.
Naisarani will be able to cover both the lock and back-row positions at the Force and is excited to return to Perth after six years away.
"Coming back here is like going back in time. It feels like a lifetime ago I was living here in Perth, so I'm excited to be back here where I started my career," Naisarani said in a statement.
"I've got lots to give back to the Force and Australia and am looking forward to being involved in the Super Rugby environment, playing good quality rugby again."
Naisarani has started training with the squad and will be available for selection in the coming weeks.
The Force have been bolstered by the return of captain Michael Wells, flyhalf Bryce Hegarty and winger Toni Pulu for Saturday night's crunch clash with the Highlanders in Perth.
Wells spent three weeks on the sidelines with an Achilles tendon injury, while Hegarty missed the past three matches with a back complaint.
Pulu returns after overcoming a knee injury, but English winger Zack Kibirige (hamstring) was ruled out.
The 11th-placed Force (2-5) are on a four-match losing streak - all away from home - but are looking forward to their return to HBF Park for the first time in more than a month.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
3
Tyrone Green decision has huge bearing on his international future
4
Five legends to be inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame
5
Latest Comments
Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.
There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.
Go to commentsI got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.
Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?
Go to comments