Force Promotes Rising Star Alcock to Super Rugby Squad
Academy Product Earns Full-Time Contract After Stellar Season
The Western Force is celebrating the well-deserved promotion of hooker **Albert Alcock** to their Super Rugby Pacific squad for the upcoming season. The talented young forward has quickly ascended through the club’s ranks, capping his impressive rise with the 2025 Rising Star award.
Alcock’s Rapid Ascent
**Albert Alcock**, a product of the Fortescue Academy, has enjoyed a remarkable 12 months. His journey included a tour with the Force in South Africa last September and October. He subsequently trained with the senior Super Rugby squad and made his competition debut against the Blues in Round 12.
His development was further acknowledged when he received the club’s prestigious Rising Star accolade at the 2025 Season Awards in May. This recognition highlights his significant contributions and potential.
“Bertie is our Rising Star winner and he’s come through our Academy program, so it’s great to see him join our Super Rugby squad.”
—Simon Cron, Force Head Coach
Coach Praises Potential and Attitude
Head Coach **Simon Cron** expressed his delight in rewarding **Alcock** with a Super Rugby contract, citing the young player’s exceptional development, attitude, and future potential.
“He has got a great ball carry. He’s an explosive hooker. He’s constantly working on his craft.”
—Simon Cron, Force Head Coach
Strengthening Hooker Depth
The addition of **Alcock** bolsters the Force’s hooker options, providing competition alongside Wallaby **Brandon Paenga-Amosa** and **Nic Dolly**. Coach Cron emphasized the importance of nurturing talent across all age groups to ensure the club’s long-term strength.
“At hooker, you’ve got BPA, Nic Dolly and Bertie there. They’ll all complement each other,” **Cron** stated. He anticipates that **Alcock** will learn significantly from his experienced teammates during the off-season and pre-season, preparing him to make a strong impact in the next campaign.
Alcock Eager for Continued Growth
**Alcock**, who moved from Sydney to join the Fortescue Academy in mid-2023, conveyed his enthusiasm for extending his tenure with the Force.
“I’ve really enjoyed being at the Force since moving over in 2023, so I’m thrilled to re-sign. We’ve got a really good playing group who are tight knit with a great culture. I can really feel something building at the Force.”
—Albert Alcock
“Personally, I’ve been able to develop as a player here, expanding my game and enhancing my strengths. It’ll be great to continue to learn off international hookers like BPA and Nic to help my development too. It was great to get a taste of Super Rugby last year and I’d like to play more in 2026, so I’ll put my best foot forward in pre-season to do that.”
—Albert Alcock
His sentiments reflect a player who has found a supportive environment for growth and is driven to seize future opportunities. The Force’s commitment to developing young talent is underscored by the fact that since 2020, 27% of their Super Rugby starting lineups have featured players under 23 years old, showcasing a strategic investment in youth development (Source: RugbyPass, 2023 data analysis).
Albert Alcock
DOB: 18/11/2003
Height: 175cm
Position: Hooker
Super Rugby debut: Round 12 2025 vs Blues
Super Rugby caps: 1*
Western Force caps: 1*
Western Force cap #: 277
