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The West Australian
February 22, 2012, 6:44 am
Rugby has taken a well-earned break after a hectic 2011.
Bodies are still recovering, mainly those of supporters who attended the World Cup in New Zealand and had themselves a merry old time.
Now we're ready to welcome the 2012 season where it will become even more frenetic.
Four Tests in the middle of the Super 15, followed by an extended super rugby championship which includes Argentina for the first time and another end-of-season trip to Britain.
There is no doubt there are fantastic opportunities for rugby players in Australia moving forward. New Zealand claimed the ultimate prize when Richie McCaw raised the gold cup, a feat they deserved after being the best side in the world for many years.
The Force have been busy throughout the off-season, moving to a fantastic new facility which has reinvigorated not only players but staff alike and the energy is tangible as soon as you enter the new building.
On the back of these developments the squad has been bolstered by the addition of the flying Fijian winger Nalaga Napolioni.
His size and speed is incredible to watch and it is handy in this situation to be the elder statesman in the team as I am able to avoid having to tackle him at training.
Yes, the over-30s card comes in handy some days.
It was great to start training again to find the players who were quiet in previous seasons taking control.
James Stannard likes to think he runs the show on and off the field while Sam Wykes' strut around the training ground is almost warranted after his stellar season in 2011.
After a couple of poor trial performances where we failed to implement plans we revert more to type this weekend in the round-one opener against the Brumbies.
We know how we play best as a group and this grit has to come to the fore this weekend.
The Blues, the Waratahs and the Sharks are the teams to keep an eye on, with the Highlanders and Reds not far behind.
My 15th year of professional rugby will be my last and it is hard to imagine throwing myself into something else, however the time is right for me. I am motivated to finish with my strongest Super season ever, as I have always wanted to be asked "why" are you retiring rather than "when".
Not many players get to control their destiny as to when they retire and barring injury I would like to be one of the lucky ones.
This season will be one of emotion for me as I have thrown myself into the club, and I am continually amazed at how the people of WA give more to us than the Force could ever give to them.
I've always said, we have the best supporters in the world. The best decision I ever made was to come and play for the Western Force, and I am honoured that my last game of rugby will be wearing the black swan on our blue jersey.
Now, enough of the emotion, bring on round one. The fun is about to begin.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...-final-season/
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