Western Force Significant Squad Annoucement Tomorrow

[James]

... Interesting choice of words. I'm guessing it means Godwin is promoted to the senior squad and an EPS 9 is being brought in.

[slomo]

eps 9?.....

[hertryk]

eps 9?

[blueandblack]

external player system, position #9?

[brokendown gunfighter]

more likely to be Sharpe's announcement

[jono]

WESTERN Force veteran Nathan Sharpe is set to announce the side's 2012 campaign will be his final season of Super Rugby.

The former skipper is expected to confirm his retirement, effective at the end of the season, at a press conference at the West Australian Rugby Centre tomorrow.

An inaugural member of the Force, Sharpe has played 77 Super Rugby games for the club after appearing in 70 matches for the Queensland Reds at the start of his career.

Last month, Sharpe said he was weighing up whether his body could withstand the rigours of another top-flight season after 2012.

"I’ve just come back from a break, but physically I feel really good and mentally it’s been really good to come in and see the guys and get a piece of the place again,” he told PerthNow.

“Last year was a really long year and I think the other guys that were involved in that World Cup and end of season trip really appreciate that extra bit of time off as well.

“I’ll make a call probably very early on in the season and that’s something I’ll come to pass in the next couple of months.”

The club has already announced that David Pocock will replace Sharpe as Force captain for the 2012 season.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/rug...-1226267168915

[jono]

[James]

Not that it matters now but EPS 9 meant a scrum half in the extended playing squad.

[BDAVEY]

isee sharpie is going back to queensland with work... this is not good. surely there is a good job here for him... he will be coaching in the very near future.....

[AndyS]

Maybe not if he's getting into mining. He didn't chase the money as a player, so if that's his call it is hard to begrudge him it. Wherever he winds up though, bet the local team comes knocking.
(mind you, trying to shake the mental image of him down t'pit, pushing bit with all the cuzzie bros...)

[shasta]

isee sharpie is going back to queensland with work...

How'd you work that one out
Doesn't sound like the Skipper is going anywhere to me.

From Perth Now

The 101 Test lock said he would instead be changing direction completely, looking to enter Perth's rich mining industry.

‘‘Coming to Perth was the best decision I made in my career."

‘‘The career opportunities being made available are amazing and will give me a completely new challenge to focus on after such a long time playing rugby,’’ Sharpe said.

‘‘I’ve got a keen interest in the resource sector and being in Perth has definitely allowed me to meet a lot of people in the industry." - Nathan Sharpe

[WF1964]

How'd you work that one out
Doesn't sound like the Skipper is going anywhere to me.

From here I think:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...at-sharpe-end/

"It was a huge decision. I had been playing in Queensland for eight years and never had any intention of leaving, but coming to Perth was the best career decision I could have made," he said.

"I've had the strongest support network, the best in the world, not only from the Force but those who turn up at every game and those you see walking down City Beach wearing a Force jumper."

Sharpe will work in the mining industry and while based in Brisbane he will spend time in Perth.