George Bridge Joins Western Force on Landmark Deal

All Blacks Star Bolsters Australian Super Rugby Side

The Western Force have secured a major coup with the signing of 19-time All Blacks winger George Bridge on a two-year contract, injecting significant international pedigree into the Australian franchise.

A Championship Pedigree Arrives

The 30-year-old flyer arrives in Perth following a successful three-season stint with French club Montpellier, where he also featured in the prestigious European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions. Bridge brings with him a remarkable trophy cabinet, including four Super Rugby titles and two Super Rugby Aotearoa crowns from his six years with the Crusaders.

His international career highlights include being part of New Zealand’s 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, where he started four matches, scoring crucial tries against South Africa and Ireland. In total, Bridge has amassed 19 Test caps for the All Blacks, crossing the try line 12 times.

Strategic Signing for Force’s Future

Force head coach Simon Cron expressed his delight at securing a player of Bridge’s calibre, emphasizing his professionalism and extensive rugby acumen. George is well known to a number of people on our staff and they can’t speak highly enough of his professionalism, approach to the game and his rugby knowledge. Cron noted.

“He’s got a massive left foot kick. He can play multiple positions. He’s a brilliant player. An amazing talent. He’ll add to the guys that we have in the squad. We know when we have injuries, it’s important we have depth so we can progress deep into Super Rugby finals. He’s got a huge amount to give. He’s been playing at Montpellier at Top 14 level. I know a few NZ franchises were chasing him hard, but he wanted to join the Force. I know George and his family were keen to come here and make Perth their chosen home, which is what we’re all about. He’ll add a lot to our environment.”

—Simon Cron, Western Force Head Coach

Bridge himself is enthusiastic about the move, citing the club’s positive direction under Cron. I’m excited to be moving to WA and joining the Western Force. They’re a club heading in the right direction and I’m keen to take on the new challenge and contribute to the club’s success. Bridge stated. He added, “I’ve always loved my time in Perth, and with friends and good connections among the staff and players, it felt like the right fit.”

Bridge is set to arrive in Perth in November, preparing for the commencement of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. His arrival adds significant firepower to the Force backline, aiming to bolster their competitive edge.

Player Profile

George Bridge

• DOB: 1/4/1995
• Place of birth: Gisborne (NZ)
• Height: 186cm
• Position: Wing

Career Snapshot

• International: All Blacks (2018-, 19 caps, 12 tries)
• Club: Montpellier (2022-2025, 48 caps, 11 tries)
• Club: Crusaders (2017-2022, 82 caps, 37 tries)
• Club: Canterbury (NPC) (2016-2022, 44 caps, 22 tries)

The addition of Bridge aligns with the Force’s ambition to climb the Super Rugby Pacific ladder. In the 2024 season, the Force achieved their highest-ever finish in the competition, demonstrating tangible progress. With the experience and proven try-scoring ability of Bridge, the team will be looking to build on this momentum.

Register your interest in a 2026 Western Force Membership

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

Bayley Kuenzle Commits to Western Force Through 2026

Utility Back Re-signs for Super Rugby Pacific Season

The Western Force have secured the services of dynamic utility back Bayley Kuenzle, announcing his re-signing for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. This commitment follows a strong return from injury, where he made a significant impact in the latter part of the 2025 season.

Return from Injury and Stellar 2024 Form

Just 12 months ago, Kuenzle was on the brink of a Wallabies call-up before a knee injury sidelined him. He had impressed in the 2024 Super Rugby season, scoring five tries in twelve appearances and finishing as runner-up for the club’s prestigious Nathan Sharpe medal. His versatility saw him deployed across various backline positions, earning him a place in a Wallabies training camp before the injury struck.

“BK has worked his way back from a tough injury this year, that he copped when he was on the fringe of the Wallabies wider training squad. I think that when he gets a proper pre-season in, he’ll be even better, which is very exciting for him and us.”

—Simon Cron, Western Force Head Coach

The 26-year-old made a notable comeback in 2025, featuring in the final six matches of the Super Rugby season after recovering from LCL and MCL injuries. During this period, he touched down for two tries, demonstrating his resilience and value to the squad.

Kuenzle Eager for a Full Pre-Season and Future Success

Kuenzle expressed his enthusiasm for the re-signing, highlighting the importance of a full pre-season to regain his peak form. He aims to replicate and build on his 2024 performance and is excited about the prospect of contributing to Australian rugby’s growth ahead of the home World Cup in two years.

“My aim is to get back to where I was last year and having a good pre-season under my belt will go a long way. Also staying in Australian rugby excites me especially with the home World Cup in two years’ time. I want to get be fully fit and give next year a good crack. I really want to give it my all to make the Western Force as successful as we can be.”

—Bayley Kuenzle, Utility Back

Western Force head coach Simon Cron lauded Kuenzle‘s impact, emphasizing his professionalism, approach to the game, and his ability to play multiple positions. “He’s played brilliantly on the wing for us, he’s played 13 and he wants to get back to 12. That skillset is really valuable,” Cron added.

Career Overview and Club Ambitions

Since moving west from the ACT Brumbies in 2022, Kuenzle has accumulated 35 caps for the Western Force. He views the club as being on an upward trajectory and is keen to be part of a team that achieves significant success in the upcoming seasons.

Bayley Kuenzle‘s career statistics highlight his experience, including 18 caps for the ACT Brumbies between 2020-2021. His Super Rugby debut was in 2020, and he has since amassed 53 caps in the competition. Last year, Kuenzle ranked second in tackle success rate for Western Force players who made at least 10 tackles, completing 95.2% of his attempts, according to Super Rugby statistics (Western Force Official News).

Kuenzle, born in Sydney, NSW, on June 18, 1998, stands at 186cm and represents Associates in the WA club system. His junior club was Burraneer Dolphins.

Wallabies Name Squad for British & Irish Lions Series

Eight players from the Western Force have been selected for the 36-man Wallabies squad. The team will face the British & Irish Lions in a highly anticipated series, kicking off in Brisbane on Saturday week, setting the stage for thrilling clashes.

Western Force Representation

The Force contingent includes Nick Champion de Crespigny, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Tom Robertson, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, and Jeremy Williams. Their inclusion highlights the depth of talent within the Western Force and their contribution to Australian rugby.

Veteran Players Set for Second Lions Series

James Slipper, the Wallabies’ record-holder for Test appearances with 144 caps, is poised to join George Smith in an elite group. Both players will have represented Australia in two successive Lions Series, marking a significant achievement in their careers.

Also selected for his second consecutive series is James O’Connor (Wallaby No. 832). He had previously started at fly-half in all three matches of the 2013 campaign. O’Connor replaces Noah Lolesio, who was sidelined due to injury earlier in the week.

Squad Adjustments and Key Inclusions

Josh Canham has also been added to the squad. The experienced scrum-half Nic White is back in the squad, after missing out on selection in 2013 due to injury. Will Skelton, who played against the Lions for the Waratahs 12 years ago, has also secured a spot.

A Father-Son Legacy in the Making

Tom Lynagh is on the verge of emulating his father’s achievement. He aims to become the first Wallaby to follow in his father Michael’s footsteps by playing against the Lions. Michael Lynagh donned the gold jersey when the Lions toured in 1989.

New Blood and Squad Composition

Corey Toole from the Brumbies and Nick Champion de Crespigny from the Force are the two uncapped players in the squad. The squad comprises 20 forwards and 16 backs, balancing experience and fresh talent.

Series Schedule and Preparations

The team will remain in Brisbane to prepare for the series opener at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday night. Subsequent matches will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26 and Sydney’s Accor Stadium on August 2.

Coach’s Perspective

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt stated: “As Wallabies coaches, we have tried to balance continuity with form and freshness, but there were some very tight calls.”

Schmidt added: “We’re conscious of how special it is to play the British and Irish Lions, so for those selected in the squad, they’ll be competing for Test jerseys, while also trying to help others prepare. We need to improve our accuracy and cohesion with a very short runway leading up to the first Test here in eight days. We are excited by what’s to come.”

Meanwhile, the average attendance at rugby union matches in Australia has seen fluctuations, with major events like the British & Irish Lions tour expected to boost attendance figures significantly (Statista 2023).

Wallabies Squad List

Forwards (20)

• Allan Alaalatoa (#896, West Harbour Juniors, ACT Brumbies, 81)
• Angus Bell (#940, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 36)
• Josh Canham (#987, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 1)
• Nick Champion De Crespigny (uncapped, Canberra Grammar School, Western Force, 0)
• Matt Faessler (#969, USQ Saints, Queensland Reds, 14)
• Nick Frost (#953, Hornsby Lions, ACT Brumbies, 26)
• Langi Gleeson (#960, Harbord Harlequins, NSW Waratahs, 15)
• Tom Hooper (#964, Bathurst Bulldogs, ACT Brumbies, 11)
• Fraser McReight (#937, Albany Creek Brumbies, Queensland Reds, 26)
• Zane Nonggorr (#966, Gold Coast Eagles, Queensland Reds, 11)
• Billy Pollard (#958, Lindfield Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 7)
• David Porecki (#952, Seaforth Raiders, NSW Waratahs, 20)
• Tom Robertson (#898, Dubbo Kangaroos, Western Force, 31)
• Will Skelton (#883, The Hills Sports High School, Stade Rochelais (France), 32)
• James Slipper (#843, Bond Pirates, ACT Brumbies, 144)
• Carlo Tizzano (#982, University of Western Australia, Western Force, 6)
• Taniela Tupou (#917, Brothers Rugby (Brisbane), NSW Waratahs, 58)
• Rob Valetini (#929, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 52)
• Jeremy Williams (#973, Wahroonga Tigers, Western Force, 11)
• Harry Wilson (#933, Gunnedah Red Devils, Queensland Reds, 23)

Backs (16)

• Filipo Daugunu (#931, Wests Rugby Club (Brisbane), Queensland Reds, 12)
• Ben Donaldson (#962, Clovelly Eagles, Western Force, 17)
• Jake Gordon (#925, Canterbury Juniors, NSW Waratahs, 29)
• Len Ikitau (#944, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 40)
• Max Jorgensen (#984, Balmain Wolves, NSW Waratahs, 8)
• Andrew Kellaway (#943, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 39)
• Tom Lynagh (#977, University of Queensland, Queensland Reds, 3)
• Tate McDermott (#936, Flinders Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 42)
• James O’Connor (#832, St Joseph’s College, Nudgee, Crusaders (New Zealand), 64)
• Hunter Paisami (#932, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 31)
• Dylan Pietsch (#978, Leeton Phantoms, Western Force, 5)
• Harry Potter (#989, Moorabbin Rams, Western Force, 3)
• Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (#988, The Kings School, NSW Waratahs, 5)
• Corey Toole (uncapped, Wagga Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, 0)
• Nic White (#875, Maitland Blacks, Western Force, 72)
• Tom Wright (#939, Clovelly Eagles, ACT Brumbies, 38)

Series Fixtures

• Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
• Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
• Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney

Robertson’s Wallabies Return: A Testicle on the Line

Rugby prop Tom Robertson is ardently pursuing a Wallabies recall, and his recent performances demonstrate his readiness. After a three-year absence, the veteran player is making a compelling case to rejoin the Australian national team, driven by a potent combination of skill and determination.

Desire and Dedication

Asked how far he would go to play for the Wallabies again, Robertson didn’t hesitate: “I would give up my left testicle,” he said. His last appearance in the gold jersey was in 2022. Since then, Robertson has overcome an ACL injury and dedicated a year to studying at Oxford.

Robertson‘s outstanding performance for the Western Force this year earned him the Nathan Sharpe Medal as the team’s best player. The 30-year-old further solidified his chances with a notable display against the British and Irish Lions, despite the Force’s 54-7 loss in front of 46,656 fans at Optus Stadium.

“It would mean the world,” Robertson stated. “I haven’t played a Test since 2022, and that’s the highlight of your career.”

—Tom Robertson, Western Force Veteran

Data shows that players returning from ACL injuries have an average recovery time of about 9 to 12 months, but Robertson has defied this statistic, quickly regaining his form and showing resilience after a year off (Source 2024).

The Road Back

The Force’s scrum, anchored by Robertson, performed admirably against the Lions, even though many expected a tough contest. His selection in the squad for the upcoming Test against Fiji in Newcastle reflects his comeback.

Robertson has 31 caps for the Wallabies since his debut in 2016. He admitted there were moments where he doubted he would return to the national team after his injury. The year at Oxford, however, helped him rediscover his passion for rugby.

Robertson added that “It would be an unreal experience to play a Test against the Lions.” He was close to selection last year but missed out due to injuries. Now he’s back in contention, focused on securing a spot in the squad.

Looking Ahead

Robertson‘s determination and skill make him a strong contender for the upcoming Test series. If selected, playing against the Lions would fulfill a long-held dream, proving his resilience and dedication to the sport.