The Western Force’s recruiting spree has continued with the signing of Irish star Rob Kearney on a one-year deal.
The Western Force have completed a major recruiting coup by signing Irish star Rob Kearney on a one-year deal.
The 34-year-old fullback, who made 95 appearances for Ireland, joins from Pro14 champions Leinster Rugby.
Kearney’s illustrious international career has included two Grand Slams (2009 and 2018), four Six Nations triumphs (2009, 2014, 2015 and 2018) and three World Cup campaigns (2011, 2015 and 2019).
At club level, Kearney has played a crucial role in establishing provincial side Leinster as Ireland’s most successful club team, where he lifted six PRO14 titles, four European Champions Cups and a European Challenge Cup since debuting against Welsh side Ospreys back in 2005.
Kearney also earned three caps for the British and Irish Lions, which included tours to South Africa in 2009 and a series victory against Australia in 2013.
“I am delighted to be joining the Western Force for their upcoming season and excited to play with such an ambitious club who are looking to improve on this year’s campaign,” Kearney said.
“I hope to add value both on and off the field that complements the high ambition of the club.
“I’m particularly excited to immerse myself in a new performance environment and to play both with and against some of the best players and teams in the southern hemisphere.”
Kearney’s signings come on the back of the arrivals of Wallabies duo Tevita Kuridrani and Tom Robertson.
The Force have re-signed Kieran Longbottom, Ian Prior, Brynard Stander, Kyle Godwin, and Marcel Brache on new deals.
The Perth-based franchise finished last and winless in Super Rugby AU this year but are expected to improve in 2021 on the back of a big recruiting drive.
JSJ
Roar Rookie
Nobes was not wrong. Julian Montoya and Thomas Cubelli signings announced today.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Maybe.. My point is really age may not be a bad thing. But in certain positions it’s more likely too. Outside backs I’d consider it to be
piru
Roar Rookie
Tend to agree, maybe they are looking to replace some of the knowledge supply they lost with DHP?
ScottD
Roar Guru
Yes, he was pretty good at 20 for a guys that hasn't played in that role for a while. It's not a role for a part timer so he needs match time
ScottD
Roar Guru
I think he's a good signing but for me he is 2nd tier as a player while being first tier as a mentor etc They need 10 more top tier players under 40yrs old imo
ScottD
Roar Guru
I agree but they need about 10 more like that.
MO
Guest
Thanks JT. I figure any toppish 7 can fake it at 9 but that goal kick got me excited.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Force mostly sign players to 1 year so I wouldn't read much into that. Though I feel that Kearney will get more out of this (a pathway into coaching) than the Force will. To me, only talking Aussie players because those are who I know more about, people like Zack Holmes could be better signings. Or if you are going for that profile, somebody like Brock James or Dan Parkes. An older 10 to me offers a lot more value than an older 15.
piru
Roar Rookie
Haha, yep. I guess it depends what The Force have in mind for him. People are saying the 1 year contract says he's not intended as a mentor, but it may just be that there's no certainty as to what's to happen beyond next season.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Haha. "I don't think you can compare". Makes a bit more sense when I write the whole sentence haha.
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
We shall see!
piru
Roar Rookie
You what TWAS?
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
@Broken Shoulder - that backline you name is not SR standard imo - not even close. To be consistently competitive (even in the backs) Force still need to sign - 2 better halfbacks - 1 better flyhalf. - 2 better centres - 1 more 13 - 2 better wingers - 1 good back up FB for Kearney. = 9 more backs. Continued mediocrity will only get the Force last place (again) :silly:
JTForce
Roar Rookie
Kane’s brother Walter plays for Wests too (usually #10) and is the main kicker. Not crazy just wrong Koteka
Kick n Clap
Guest
Very overrated anyway. Very much a journeyman player. There are hundreds of NRL lads who are better players than him.
Kick n Clap
Guest
Well TWAS, There is loads of Road Infastructure to be completed in WA. Where else with WA borders being closed ,do you get some of the worlds best Tarmacers’s over here to work?
Kick n Clap
Guest
Well that’s not Leicester? They’ve done their dash. Very much now “also ran’s.” Now chasing the pack? He could learn Afrikan at Sale or better known as Salford. At least at Sale, he won’t have to learn how to tackle?
WorldInUnion
Guest
Do you think the NZRU letting the Force and Rebels play in the Mitre 10 Cup may be an acceptable trade-off for restricting Aussie teams in the TransTasman competition to three ? That would allow a PI side and one from Japan (with a guarantee of sending their best players). I’m also not convinced a Force side like the one beating touted and a wobbly Rebels side would not drain excitement and competitiveness from the proposed TT competition.
JTForce
Roar Rookie
Kane’s brother Walter also plays for West (usually #10) and is the main kicker. Kane would still have been in quarantine for the Neddies match but Walter was playing. Although the strong wind off the river didn’t help his kicking! Kane was in the squad for this weekend just gone vs Baysie.
JTForce
Roar Rookie
Jack's future may still be #10. He played in the role in the pre-season match in Newcastle & the one GRR match this year I think. Either way I hope both Jack & Jake stick around and learn lots from Kearney in his 1 year contract with the Force