Western Force have signed former Wallabies Pek Cowan and Nick Frisby before the launch of Australia’s new domestic rugby competition.
Cowan joined the Force’s foundation squad in 2006 as an 18-year-old and went on to play 130 Super Rugby games for the franchise.
When the Force were axed in 2017, Cowan was so upset that he declared he would not be joining one of the other Australian franchises.
The 10-Test prop stuck true to his word, joining Japanese Top Challenge League side Shimizu Blue Sharks in 2017 before being granted a special release to rejoin the Force this month.
“I have played with Pek for most of my career, he is a top bloke and a true Force player at heart,” Force head of rugby Matt Hodgson said.
“As soon as he saw there was an opportunity to play with the team, even for a short while, we both knew he had to be included.”
Frisby made 66 appearances in his five years with the Queensland Reds.
The 27-year-old notched five Tests with the Wallabies in 2016 but has been unable to add to that tally.
Frisby has been plying his trade with Scotland’s Pro14 team the Glasgow Warriors since 2018.
“Nick is a very talented player who moved overseas for more opportunities in the last few years,” Hodgson said.
“He is an intelligent scrum-half with an exceptional running game that will be vital for the upcoming games.
“He has matured his skills playing at a number of different clubs overseas and we are excited to bring this level of player back to Australia.”
Cowan and Frisby join Kyle Godwin, Greg Holmes, Jono Lance, Ollie Atkins, and Kane Koteka as key signings for the upcoming season.
The Force’s campaign begins against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on July 11.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
HODGO! YOU LEGEND!
ScottD
Roar Guru
Yes, he developed really well with the Force. A good future ahead of him.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Even if he plays a little but helps the young guys out. Fabulous to see Mr Foley as scrum coach. Boy he could play. And a great fella too.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Thanks mate! Go the Force!
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Well Rennie will know his game well won't he?
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Certainly deserves a chance after his efforts last year.
MitchO
Guest
It's a pretty competitive forward pack with plenty of boots in the backs and even some pace. good to see Isaak Fines is getting a run with the Brumbies. Hope he does well.
MitchO
Guest
cheers. I think we all like Clay. Phenomenal to now have Longbottom and Holmes in the camp. I saw Nick play 12 and thought he did a bit of 10 in Canberra but another Roarer thought he was a 13.
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
The young local props, including Angus Wagner, will benefit from having these old heads to match themselves against. Nick played at 12 in last years NRC final. This seems to suit him well as he played as 10 in under-age rugby so is capable of being a 2nd play-maker. Has a great boot so he's also an option for FB. Clay Uyen has been playing with Valence Romans Drôme Rugby in France.
piru
Roar Rookie
Would be a hell of a way to announce our return, wouldn't it?
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Most of the Force boys have been together for a couple of years, building together and now able to tap into an enormous amount of experience, some of which is still young enough to force their way into Wallaby contention. "I pity the fool" who underestimates this team.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
He should know what Rennie wants.
ScottD
Roar Guru
We maybe lack a few caps in the 26-30 year bracket. Most of our caps are +30 yrs. But I'm still happy. Rugby starts today, rugby starts today :rugby: :rugby: :rugby: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
piru
Roar Rookie
I’m not so sure about that Piru On reflection I can confirm I am pleased!
ScottD
Roar Guru
yep. Pek can play both 1 & 3
MitchO
Guest
I agree with that Scott. Anchor the scrum and provide a big body (and brains) every second or third ruck. You don't need the props covering ground like Michael Hooper. Plus the Force have Tessman to go hard as he can and Ready. Both will offset a slow prop. The back is good too with Stander, Ferris and another. We may end up having to take a leaf from the Boks book and have a 6/2 bench. Has anyone seen Pek play lately? I wonder if he has in fact slowed down. I figured he'd be doing a lot of running in Japan. Pek is good in second phase. Not the greatest scrummager in the world but he can do the job on one side and Longbottom and Holmes are good old school anchors at tighthead.
MitchO
Guest
Cheers. I wanted to know too.
mitcho
Guest
I was going to mention that FF then saw that you corrected it. Ollie Hoskins would be great to have back in Oz and in particular at the Force for this series. I do appreciate Longbottom and Holmes (and Pek for that matter) but they are all comfortably over 30 and I think Kieran's body is about 100. I think Kieran has only being playing GRR as favour to us and his team mates. Stander + Ferris + _____ is a pretty handy backrow. Two questions for you mate. Is Nick Jooste a 12 or a 13? Where is Clay Uen?
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Clay's playing in France for Valence (D2)
JSJ
Roar Rookie
Sheikh, recently posted elsewhere on Roar his back of an envelop calculation , that the Force had 750 Super rugby caps in their squad at the time. Now if you add 130 for Pek and 66 for Frisby, then Sheikh's envelop should read 916 Super caps. Thats probably more than the current Tahs and Reds I am guesing. It also ignores the "caps" many of the players have had playing high-level rugby overseas. So the Force dont lack experience or depth compared to the other 4 Super teams. There are also a bunch of exciting young players that the Force have developed in GRR and NRC in the past 2 years.