Western Force Press Release
The Emirates Western Force recruitment drive for the 2013 FxPro season is in full swing with the signing of Cheetahs flyhalf Sias Ebersohn to the squad on a two year deal as the club’s foreign developing player.
Ebersohn is a natural talent in the playmaker role and has been part of the Cheetahs set-up for the past three seasons. His tactical kicking, communication on the field and confidence in directing play will be a welcome asset to the Emirates Western Force in the seasons to come.
RugbyWA CEO Vern Reid said the club had been watching Ebersohn develop as a player over the past two seasons and had made contact with the young flyhalf during the side’s recent visit to Bloemfontein.
“Following our meeting, Sias has agreed to accept our offer to be the foreign developing player for the Emirates Western Force in the 2013 season,” Mr Reid said.
“The agreement is now before the Australian Rugby Union as they need to approve any foreign developing player contracts under the contracting guidelines.”
Foreign developing players are signed on a two year contract with a Super Rugby franchise and must exhibit potential to play for the Wallabies to be approved by the ARU.
“In our view, Sias has great potential to make a significant impact for the Emirates Western Force in the Super Rugby competition and at an international level and for the past couple of seasons has been touted as a future Springbok,” said Mr Reid.
“We are delighted he has accepted the offer to play for the Emirates Western Force and look forward to welcoming him into the programme.”
Emirates Western Force captain David Pocock met with the promising playmaker following the game against the Cheetahs in round 11.
“I met with Sias when we were in Bloemfontein and he was excited about the prospect of moving to Perth,” said Pocock.
“We’ve been watching him for a while and he is a very skilful player and will bring some much needed energy and experience to that position.
“I’m sure he will fit in well with the playing group at the Emirates Western Force and will enjoy his time in Perth.”
Charles Mountifield, General Manager Rugby Operations (Australia) of the Essentially Group said Ebersohn was looking forward to the opportunity to play for the Western Australian franchise.
“Sias is a promising young rugby player and is looking forward to proving his rugby abilities at the Western Force and eventually at an international level,” Mountifield said.