Western Force lock Jeremy Williams has become the franchise’s captain at just 23 years of age, with recruit Nic White and last year’s skipper Michael Wells named as his assistants.
Williams becomes the eighth man to lead the Force, fresh from a breakout 2023 season in which he was rated in the top three of Super Rugby’s lineout performers.
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The 195cm lock, a big admirer of inaugural Force captain Nathan Sharpe, moved to the West Australian outfit in late 2022 from the NSW Waratahs.
Jeremy Williams. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
Force coach Simon Cron, who earlier this week re-signed until the end of 2026, said Williams represented the franchise’s future.
“A big part of this decision is looking to the future for someone who can help drive the leadership forward over the next couple of years,” Cron said in a statement.
“We thought Wellsy did a brilliant job in 2023 and we’ve decided it’s the right time to transition with a view to the future.
“Jeremy is a fantastic young man. He has a lot of respect from the playing group, he played big minutes for us last year and he leads by doing.
“The job of Wellsy and Whitey as vice-captains is to help support Jeremy. All great leadership teams work as a collective group and we are no different.
Williams, who has 20 Super caps to his name, said he was honoured to be handed the role.
“I genuinely cannot wait to lead the boys out this year and am really excited for the season ahead after all the work we’ve done this pre-season,” he said.
“I believe that I am a leader by example, but also know that my captaincy style will evolve with time, so I’m thrilled to have the support of Michael Wells and Nic White around me, given their vast experiences.
“They’re going to play a massive role in helping me and guiding me through the journey, so I’m really excited to work alongside those guys.”
Wells and White boast more than 200 Super Rugby caps between them.
White has also featured 63 times for the Wallabies and played in two World Cups.
“Whitey and Wellsy are two of our most experienced players,” Cron said.
“Whitey is a genuine international with unmatched experience, Wellsy has played over 100 Super Rugby games.
“The two of them have been captains before, they’re great leaders. That experience will be critical for the team on and off the field.”
The Force kick off their season on February 23, at home to the Hurricanes.
ScottD
Roar Guru
And Willo!
jeznez
Roar Guru
What I really like about him is the way he’s worked on areas of his game. He wasn’t tackling well but made that a massive focus last year. Huge improvement
Phil
Roar Rookie
Agree. I thought in that tough season at the Tahs a few years back young Jeremy Williams and Max Douglas were super promising and showed a lot of resilience and then they stupidly let them both go! I really like Williams and Crono is a wise coach.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Williams is not a tight 5 player that added any size to the Tahs. He’s a 6/lock. We had plenty of them. Douglas was the one that had potential to add bulk and be an actual lock.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Yeah, great decision. And while I like what Wells brings in effort he is isn’t or shouldn’t be in our starting three loose forwards these days.
Tez
Roar Rookie
Congratulations young man, hope you have another good season
West Aussie Exile
Roar Rookie
Good decision -I think Williams will do a good job and will be in team anyway on merit, particularly as Rodda still has not returned. As others have said, means Wells and White have to earn their spots.
Full Credit to the Boys
Roar Rookie
Wellsey and Whitey! Sounds like the Under 10s.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Harris is a good player. He was under used at the Tahs as they just had to much depth in the 6/8 for him to really get a fair crack. I hope he learnt a lot from his time there at the Tahs and has a break out season with the Force.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I think this season we’ve got it right but I was particularly unhappy to see Williams go. A mate knew his family well and he was happy and settled at the Tahs. He wouldn’t have captained a SR team so I guess perhaps there is a benefit to him and the game
In From The Side
Roar Rookie
Whoever has looked after the hiring and firing of players at the Tahs has been terrible for the last 5 or so years. So many good players gone and so many unimpressive and under performing players brought in.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Similar story at 9. White shouldn't be starting all the time if IFL is a chance to crack a spot in the Wallabies, and he should be.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Letting Williams go was one of the bigger mistakes Tahs’ management made in the last couple of years. Watching us struggle with a small tight 5 last season was particularly irksome knowing we had a young local bloke we didn’t value replaced by foreign blow-ins who added nothing
Jay-c
Roar Rookie
Wells always seems to come across critical of others in his team. Seems to always have a chip on his shoulder. Has Williams captained through age groups anyone? Any commentary on that?
ols
Roar Pro
At least Wellsy got a junket to Auckland for the launch, :laughing: Probably he and White will not be in the run on team.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
Good choice. Some players excel with responsibility and I think Jeremy may be one of these. Also good for Wells to focus on his game to cement his position in the team.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Nice one Jezza! I like Williams but what I like most is that this will open up competition in the back row. I'm really hoping to see Anstee, Tizzano and Harris as a trio. Think there is some good balance if that group can cement the roles.
savant
Roar Rookie
Great decision.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Good decision, moving forward. White is new at the club but long in the tooth. Wells, IMHO, is not nor has ever been a team captain. Not a bad Super player but seems to think he is a lot better than he actually is.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
And he was a good mate of Cron. But yep. A vote of confidence in the future!