Perth the new seventh SA franchise?

Perth the new seventh SA franchise?

Perth may already be a city with a large South African contingent but will the Western Force become a defacto South African seventh franchise in the near future?

It is worth pondering after the news that the Force signed Western Province duo Marcel Brache and tighthead Chris Heiberg for the coming season.

The Province duo, who obviously saw their prospects at the Stormers going nowhere, decided the Force were a better fit and that they would get ample game time there.

Brache was sidelined behind the Springbok midfielders with only 46 minutes in the Vodacom Super Rugby series in 2012, and then largely ignored in 2013, while Heiberg sits behind Boks Pat Cilliers and Francois Malherbe in the pecking order and, while he did play in the Vodacom Cup, is unlikely to start for the Stormers next year.

Both players now join Sias Ebersohn, who recently completed his first season at the franchise and new signing Wilhelm Steenkamp, who will leave the Bulls after the Absa Currie Cup to play in next year’s Super Rugby series for the Australian franchise.

Considering the Force already have New Zealanders Alby Matthewson and have recently signed utility back Jayden Hayward, the signings signal a significant shift in their thinking.

Australian agents have been at local youth rugby weeks for a number of years now, looking to snap up fringe talent that the South African franchises might have missed to ultimately represent the Wallabies after developing their career further Down Under.

But there has been increasing chatter in seeing the Australian franchises as an alternative, while still playing Super Rugby with the exchange rate working very favourably for South African players.

The Force are largely the country cousins of Australian rugby and with a limited player pool in the country, they have already signalled their intent to look elsewhere for talent.

Force chief executive Mark Sinderberry told The West Australian this was a new approach, away from a reliance on the east coast player pool and would expand Australian playing stocks.

“With four provinces fighting over the same players on the east coast we’ll continue to think outside the square with regard to our recruitment,” Sinderberry said.

“We’re implementing a rugby programme with an intense focus on the on-and off-field development of our players that will be a destination of choice. Players will come here knowing they will become better people as well as players.

“Marcel and Chris join our club as one of a number of recruitment initiatives we’re putting into place that will not only see us become self-sustainable but also help extend the list of players eligible for Wallaby selection.

“Developing our local player base remains a key focus with a view to seeing more and more Perth products progress through the player pathway to the Western Force. To that end we are very proud to have four local players, Kyle Godwin, Kieran Longbottom, Zack Holmes and Dane Haylett-Petty in our squad in 2014, the most the club has boasted at any one time.

“I’d like to thank the Australian Rugby Union for their understanding of our unique situation in allowing the recruitment of players such as Chris and Marcel, and we’re excited about what they’ll bring to the team next season.”

Brache has signed until the end of 2015 and Heiberg is contracted to the end of 2016. They are among seven new recruits that also include Haylett-Petty, Brumbies halves Zack Holmes and Ian Prior and Wallabies outside back Luke Morahan.

Coach Michael Foley said the South African pair would add competition and depth to the developing squad.

“While Marcel and Chris have experience in the successful Western Province programme, both come with a hunger and humility that will support us in our aspirations to earn respect,” Foley said.

“As a ball-carrying prop, Chris makes an impact in the collision through power and skill, but most importantly possesses an aggressive mentality that stands out in every contest of the game.

“Marcel is tall and agile, which makes him equally adept in the one-on-one contests in the air and on the ground, and brings with him a strong background in provincial rugby.”

Brache, 25, American-born who moved to South Africa when he was four, spent four seasons with the Cape Town-based provincial side, made 41 Currie Cup appearances including the 2012 Currie Cup-winning squad that beat Natal Sharks 25-18 in the final.

He represented the University of Cape Town, playing in the Ikey Tigers 26-16 Varsity Cup final win over the University of Pretoria two years ago, and played one game for the Stormers, the side’s 27-17 win over the Lions last year.

“I’m extremely honoured and privileged to be given this opportunity to come across to develop my game with the Force,” he said.

“I’m amped about the move and amped about the future that I’ll have in Perth.

“I’m excited about playing in another country and in a team with the stature of the Force and alongside the great players that they have. It’s an incredible opportunity

“There’s been considerable improvement in the Force this season. What’s true to fact is that they’ve played with a will and a desire to have a go and play for each other.

“While results may not have gone the way the team would have liked, they’ve shown that when they put on the Force jersey they’re doing it for the teammate next to them.

“They’ve shown a strong desire to play the game for the full 80 minutes on a weekly basis and as a player joining the club, that’s something I aspire to do as well.”

Heiberg joins the Force after being with the Stormers squad for their past two Super Rugby outings against the Reds and Kings.

The 28-year-old Cape Town-born prop, who also made his name with Ikeys, was a regular starter for Western Province in the Vodacom Cup and was starting tighthead in the side that lost to eventual winners the Golden Lions, in the semifinals of this year’s competition.

“I’m really excited about joining the Force and I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made with my rugby,” he said.

“I’ve always been impressed with how the Force have played their rugby and they’ve had some good performances this season. It’s exciting to be going to a team where there’s a lot happening and where there’s a real focus on development, which is excellent for my own game.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Michael Foley, who has developed some great structures and a very good programme at the Force.

“I’ve enjoyed being involved with the Stormers and with Western Province but I felt the time was right to move on and have a change.

“While I’ve never been to ‘Aussie’ Perth seems very similar to Cape Town – there are a lot of South Africans in Perth and I’m sure it’ll be like a home away from home.”

“There is a huge emphasis on scrummaging in the modern game and I think that’s definitely a strength of mine, but it’s important that you’re able to tick all the boxes.

“I need to be able to do my job at the scrum, rucks and lineouts but I’ll also be looking to add value through my ball-carrying and physicality as well.

“The Force have a very good forward pack and I’ll be looking to add value wherever I can. I know it’s not going to be easy and I’ll have to work bloody hard to earn my place.”

The Force are also looking to lure wayward Wallaby James O’Connor back to Perth.

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