Force nab Wallaroo Leonard for 2023 season

[The InnFORCEr]

Tue, Mar 7, 2023, 9:04 AM
Nathan Williamson


The Wallaroos faced off against Japan from Bond University in the Gold Coast.
The Western Force have pulled off a major signing, announcing Wallaroo Michaela Leonard will join their Super W squad for the 2023 season.

Leonard had been a mainstay of the Brumbies side over the past four years, named captain in 2021.

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The 14-cap Wallaroo has been a regular selection under Jay Tregonning, opting to head overseas to Exeter after Rugby World Cup 2021.

Leonard’s is set to be available for their opening game on March 24 against the NSW Waratahs, as the club announces four further international signings.

Leonard is joined by Japanese lock Yuna Sato, making the move from Tokyo Phoenix Rugby Club.

Sato started in all three games for Japan at last year's World Cup, set to form a solid partnership with Leonard

She is joined at the Force by club teammate and front-rower Natsuki Kashiwagi.

Kashiwagi started in every fixture in the Japan National XVs league in 2022/23, helping Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix Rugby Club to the title.


The Force have also recruited exciting Fijian winger Rachel Laqeretabua.

Laqeretabua helped the Drua to their maiden title in 2022, joining the expansion club from Premiership giants Saracens.

The winger has played five games for Fiji, including featuring at Rugby World Cup 2021.

Front-rower Atlanta Lolohea completes the signings, linking up with sister Martha Mataele (wife of Manasa Mataele) from NZ Farah Palmer Cup side Canterbury.

Lolohea is currently playing her trade with Matatu in Super Rugby Aupiki, adding crucial depth to the front-row.

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/force-...-season-202336

[Tazzmania]

Great to see the Mataele family becoming part of the Western Force Family.

Manasa, his brother, his wife and sister in law all on board.

[GIGS20]

Michaela Leonard is a pretty bloody big in isn't she?