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EXCLUSIVE: THE Western Force has secured one of its targeted players, with top New Zealand prop Tim Fairbrother signing a two-year contract with the club.
The specialist 119kg tight head from the Hurricanes is rated as the best uncapped prop in NZ and has turned down lucrative European offers to join the Force.
Fairbrother, 27, is a particularly valuable acquisition because he will not take up one of the Force's two import spots, being eligible to play for the Wallabies via Australian grandparents.
He represented NZ at U-19 and U-21 levels but more international honours are the last thing Fairbrother is thinking about for the moment.
"I'm just really excited and looking forward to getting to Perth," he said yesterday.
"My aim is to work hard at training, play as well as I can and if other opportunities come along that will be a bonus."
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is known to be interested in Fairbrother, an immensely strong scrummager and perfect replacement to anchor the Force scrum with the departure of another Kiwi, Ben Castle.
"As a tight head prop you pride yourself on your scrummaging, but I've been working on my mobility for the last couple of years," Fairbrother said.
"The Force has a hard working pack and I'm looking forward to having Nathan Sharpe behind me.''
Fairbrother, whose heritage also qualifies him for England, said: "I've been thinking about a move for the last couple of years but I like the set up at the Force, I like the idea of the Force and I like the feeling at the club."
With Fairbrother locked away the Force must now turn its attention to keeping teenager James O'Connor and No.8 Richard Brown.
The club must also step up the hunt for a replacement five-eighth and an experienced hooker.
A five-eighth is essential as it would start the domino effect on O'Connor's signing.
The club is interested in Springboks and Stormers five-eighth Peter Grant as a replacement for Matt Giteau and officials are expected to speak with him and his manager this week when the side flies to Cape Town for the clash against the Stormers.
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/stor...005403,00.html