Western Force U19 and U16 squads announced

[Burgs]

Tue, Sep 19, 2023, 5:00 PM
by Western Force Media

The Western Force squads for the 2023 Super Rugby Men’s U19 and U16 competitions have today been announced.

The five-team development pathway competitions will run from Saturday 30 September to Sunday 5 November, showcasing the next generation of Australian talent and providing them opportunities in the pinnacle of domestic age group rugby.

The Force and RugbyWA have joined forces in 2023 for the under-age competitions, offering the state’s emerging talent a valuable insight within the Super Rugby Pacific club.

The wider training squads for both teams, drawn from WA club and school rugby talent pools, have been training for the past two months. The U19 and U16 groups have now been narrowed down to 30-player and 29-player squads respectively for the six-week competitions.

The Force U19s will be led by Fortescue Academy Head Coach Dylan Parsons, alongside Assistant Coaches Jeremy Thrush, Colin Phillips and Ian Prior.

Parsons said: “We’re really excited to get to this stage and select our competition squad. Round 1 is just around the corner and we can’t wait to see the hard work over the last couple months be shown in the upcoming games.

“The program so far has been all around showing the players what a High Performance environment looks like and now how to manage the demands of a Performance competition that includes travel, review/preview and backing up performances week to week.”

The Force U16s will be led by Head Coach Denis Skillen supported by Assistant Coach Jerard Saunders and Development Coach Gavin Laycock.

Skillen said: “We have a very talented U16 Force squad, who have been dedicating themselves to honing their skills and improving their fitness over the past eight weeks. Skill development and physical conditioning are fundamental in the team's preparation.

“The enthusiasm that the team and coaching staff have for the upcoming challenges and opportunities is fantastic. It’s with this kind of attitude and mindset that is invaluable and often paves the way for personal growth and success in sports and beyond.”

The Force’s opening games of the Super Rugby U19 and U16 season are on Saturday September 30 against the Melbourne Rebels at Revo Fitness Stadium in Claremont.

Watch every game live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

U19s squad

Aiden Voute (Southern Lions), AJ Preketes (Eastern Suburbs(Sydney)), Benjamin Farrow (UWA), Billy Turnbull (Cottesloe), Brennen Leef (Southern Lions), Brody Mainwaring (Wanneroo), Dane Sawers (Kalamunda), Doug Phillipson, (Palmyra), Dylan Bronlund (UWA), James Blair (Kalamunda), Jehmial Ross (Nedlands), Josiah Marks (Joondalup Brothers), Kaea Rangiuia (Joondalup Brothers), Kauri Grace (Wests Scarborough), Kelton New (Associates), Kian Saus (Wanneroo), Liam Jones (Joondalup Brothers), Luke Holt-Brown (Perth Bayswater), Manaia TeTana (Wanneroo), Oakley Pearce (Joondalup Brothers), Ollie Cummins (Palmyra), Reece Pedley (Joondalup Brothers), Ronan Leahy (Fortescue Academy), Rueben Baker (Wanneroo), Stirling McDonald (Nedlands), Thomas Crofts (Wanneroo), Tiam Toufan (UWA), Zac Landsman (Palmyra), Zak Griffiths (Southern Lions), Zavier Hawira (Palmyra)

U16s squad

Alexander Smit (Joondalup Brothers), Ashford Taumoepeau (North Coast), Cassius Dougal (Nedlands), Ceejay Patelesiosio (Southern Lions), Chase Bunce (Nedlands), Christian Huey (Southern Lions), Conan Thiedeman (Southern Lions), Cruz Remi (Nedlands), Dermott Arthy (North Coast), Dozion Laupama (Kalamunda), Ezekiel Jackson (Nedlands), Felix Cooper (Wests Scarborough), Gideon Weleilakeba (Southern Lions), Harrison Etchells (North Coast), Harry Oddy (Southern Lions), Hunter Pascoa (North Coast), Israel Tupou (Southern Lions), Joshua Harmer (Christchurch Grammar School), Josiah Tanonef (Southern Lions), Kalani Chong Sue (Christchurch Grammar School), Kristian Bellekom (Scotch College), Luke Megson (Scotch College), Paddy Woods (Hale School), Peni Naqau (Southern Lions), Samiuela Likio (Mandurah Pirates), Taj Makene (Nedlands), Tamarangi Tunui (Wanneroo), Xander Goh (North Coast), Zane Wesley (Wanneroo)

Fixtures

Round 1 – Saturday September 30, Revo Fitness Stadium, Claremont

Western Force U16s v Melbourne Rebels U16s, 11:40am

Western Force U19s v Melbourne Rebels U19s, 1:20pm

Round 2 – Sunday October 8, Ballymore

Queensland Reds U16s v Western Force U16s, 12:05pm

Queensland Reds U19s v Western Force U19s, 1:45pm

Round 3 – BYE Weekend

Round 4 – Saturday October 21, Revo Fitness Stadium, Claremont

Western Force U16s v ACT Brumbies U16s, 12:05pm

Western Force U19s v ACT Brumbies U19s, 1:45pm

Round 5 – Sunday October 29, Forshaw Rugby Park, NSW

NSW Waratahs U16s v Western Force U16s, 11:40pm

NSW Waratahs U19s v Western Force U19s, 1:20pm

Grand Final – Sunday November 5 [Venue TBC]

*All times local

[fulvio sammut]

Congratulations to all players selected in the u19 and u16 squads.

Could someone please post the Perth Gold squad?

[tjs10]

Congratulations to all players selected in the u19 and u16 squads.

Could someone please post the Perth Gold squad?

Gold Men:


Gold Women:

[Burgs]

U19 National Rugby Championship

30th September & 21st October, 2023 - Claremont Football Club.

Players will be selected for the Western Force U19s based on their performances in club fixtures. Teams competing at the Under 19 Rugby Championships (URC) are:

Western Force

Queensland Red

Queensland White

New South Wales Blue

New South Wales White

Melbourne Rebels

Brumbies

Barbarians

Performance at this tournament provides a basis for selecting in the initial Junior Wallabies squad (U20) for the following season. This squad will prepare as a group over multiple training camps in preparation for Pacific Nations fixtures and the World Rugby U20s Championship.

Head Coach – Dylan Parsons

Assistant Coach – Jeremy Thrush & Colin Philips

Home Fixtures:

Saturday, 30th September

Claremont Football Club

Kick off: 1:20PM

Saturday, 21st October

Claremont Football Club

Kick off: 1:45PM

[Burgs]

U16 National Rugby Championships

30th September & 21st October, 2023 – Claremont Football Club.

Players will be selected for the WA U16s side based on their performances in club/school fixtures combined with their performances at the WA State Championships.

The team’s preparation period commences after the WA State Titles in early August.

Head Coach – Denis Skillen

Assistant Coach – Gavin Laycock & Jerard Saunders

Team Manager – Annita McCoppin

Physio – TBA

Home Fixtures:

Saturday, 30th September

Claremont Football Club

Kick off: 11:40AM

Saturday, 21st October

Claremont Football Club

Kick off: 12:05PM

[Burgs]

Force U19 and U16 team lists confirmed for opener against Rebels

Thu, Sep 28, 2023, 10:00 AM
by Ben Somerford

The Western Force team lists for Round 1 of the Super Rugby Men’s U19 and U16 Championships have been confirmed ahead of Saturday’s games against the Melbourne Rebels at Claremont’s Revo Fitness Stadium.

In a collaborative partnership with RugbyWA, the Western Force U19s and U16s will compete in the five-team Super Rugby pathways competition, offering a key opportunity to develop the next wave of emerging WA talent.

The Force U16s take on the Rebels U16s from 11:40am at Revo Fitness Stadium, followed by the Force U19s against the Rebels U19s from 1:20pm this Saturday 30 September.

Entry to the game is free to the public. Parking may be limited due to the Perth Royal Show at Claremont Showgrounds, so please plan in advance or arrive early.

The wider squads were announced last week, with the Force holding a formal jersey presentation on Friday evening at Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough with players, parents, Rugby WA and Force officials and key sponsors all present.

The Force thanks sponsors Fortescue, Goodyear, CD Dodd, AFGRI Equipment, Collar Group, SLW Transport, Elan and Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough for their support.

The team lists for the opening games are as follows:

U19s: Reece Pedley, Kelton New, AJ Preketes, Billy Turnbull, Josiah Marks, Dylan Bronlund, Dane Sawers, Ben Farrow, Doug Phillipson, Brody Mainwaring, Tiam Toufan, Zac Landsman, Oakley Pearce, Kauri Tipene-Grace, Tom Crofts, Aiden Voute, Ben Kershaw, Rueben Baker, Manaia TeTana, Luke Holt-Brown, Jehmial Ross, Ollie Cummins, Stirling McDonald, Kaea Rangiuia

U16s: Ceejay Patelesiosio, Luke Megson, Zane Wesley, Paddy Woods, Josh Harmer, Cassius Dougal, Felix Cooper, Samiulela Likio, Tama Tunui, Ezekiel Jackson, Taj Makene, Peni Naqau, Chase Bunce, Dermott Arthy, Harry Oddy, Xander Goh, Dozion Laupama, Hunter Pascoe, Ashford Taumoepeau, Israel Tupou, Cruz Remi, Conan Thiedeman, Kalani Chong Sue

Fixtures

Round 1 – Saturday September 30, Revo Fitness Stadium, Claremont

Western Force U16s v Melbourne Rebels U16s, 11:40am

Western Force U19s v Melbourne Rebels U19s, 1:20pm

Round 2 – Sunday October 8, Ballymore

Queensland Reds U16s v Western Force U16s, 12:05pm

Queensland Reds U19s v Western Force U19s, 1:45pm

Round 3 – BYE Weekend

Round 4 – Saturday October 21, Revo Fitness Stadium, Claremont

Western Force U16s v ACT Brumbies U16s, 12:05pm

Western Force U19s v ACT Brumbies U19s, 1:45pm

Round 5 – Sunday October 29, Forshaw Rugby Park, NSW

NSW Waratahs U16s v Western Force U16s, 11:40pm

NSW Waratahs U19s v Western Force U19s, 1:20pm

Grand Final – Sunday November 5 [Venue TBC]

*All times local

[todd4]

U19s Force 48 - Rebels 5

U16s Force 32 - Rebels 19

Huge win by the Force U19s

[blueandblack]

Fancy that. Claremont Oval turning into a rugby venue.

[chibi]

No rectangular grounds available or up to standard for this series?

[wholetruth]

No rectangular grounds available or up to standard for this series?

There were local clubs who wanted to host the games and the Cheetahs. Why take the Cheetahs games to footy ovals. Did Mandurah Council throw some cash in to take the Cheetahs there?
Was the lighting for STAN not good enough at rugby clubs?
If so, why not play the Friday night Cheetahs game as part of a triple header on Saturday with the 16s and 18s.
How good would that have been.
We're back to Claremont Oval for the Cheetahs on Saturday so it really doesn't make sense to me.

[Jules]

Well done to the teams! I thought they played well and some promising players coming through 😊

[The InnFORCEr]

Super Rugby U16s and U19s Team of the Week
Wed, Oct 4, 2023, 1:44 AM
by Rugby.com.au staff


The Super Rugby U16s and U19s competitions are underway as players look to make a statement in round one.

The Western Force were the major winners with a clean sweep over the Melbourne Rebels whilst the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs split their games in Canberra.

Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey is among several keeping a keen eye on the action as they look to build for the future ahead of next year's World U20 Championships and potential U18s and Australian Schools matches.

Rugby.com.au looks at the teams of the week from both competitions as picked by Grey and National Pathways Manager Nic Henderson.

*Please note the Queensland Reds had the bye in round one and will not feature

Super Rugby U16s
As expected, the NSW Waratahs dominate the team after their convincing 50-5 win over the ACT Brumbies, headlined by winger Tom Hartman.

Hartman scored four tries in the victory, one of 11 NSW-based players in the side.

He is joined in the back three by teammates Heamasi Makasini and Rex Bassingthwaighte, with Onitoni Large in the centres.

Flyhalf Harrison Dene slots into the halves alongside Force captain Tamarangi Tunui, who is one of two Force players in the backs along with centre Peni Naqau after his game-turning performance.

Number eight Blake Bretton is the lone Brumby in the squad, selected in the back row with NSW duo James Finegan and Jarvis Orr.

Rebels prop Ramsey Sefo joins Waratahs Darcy Emmett and Lewis Wilson in the front-row, with Isaac Fonua rounding out the NSW dominated pack alongside Force lock Patrick Woods.

Team of the Week

Ramsey Sefo (Melbourne Rebels)
Darcy Emmett (NSW Waratahs)
Lewis Wilson (NSW Waratahs)
Patrick Woods (Western Force)
Isaac Fonua (NSW Waratahs)
James Finegan (NSW Waratahs)
Jarvis Orr (NSW Waratahs)
Blake Bretton (ACT Brumbies)
Tamarangi Tunui (Western Force)
Harrison Dene (NSW Waratahs)
Heamasi Makasini (NSW Waratahs)
Peni Naqau (Western Force)
Onitoni Large (NSW Waratahs)
Tom Hartman (NSW Waratahs)
Rex Bassingthwaighte (NSW Waratahs)

Super Rugby U19s
The ACT Brumbies have been rewarded for their fierce comeback win over the NSW Waratahs with six selections in the team of the week.

Flyhalf Cullen Gray is one of four Brumbies in the backline after his heroics, nailing the winning penalty after the siren.

Gray slots into the side along with centres Jakob Biet and Elit Sagata as well as impressive fullback Angus Staniforth.

Junior Wallabies standout Lachlan Hooper has continued his strong form from the U20 World Championships, selected as well as fellow Junior Wallaby and Brumby forward Toby Macpherson.

Waratahs captain Jack Barrett has been included in the pack, joining hooker Oniti Finau and Force prop AJ Preketes.

Phil Talaileva and Oliver Mccrea are the other NSW players in the back, with scrumhalf Billy Dickens the other Waratah in the side.

The rest of the squad is made up of Force players after their win over the Rebels, with four-try hero and flanker Dylan Bronlund selected as well as wingers Tiam Toufan and Kauri Tipene-Grace.

Team of the Week

Jack Barrett (NSW Waratahs)
Oniti Finau (NSW Waratahs)
AJ Preketes (Western Force)
Oliver McCrea (NSW Waratahs)
Toby Macpherson (ACT Brumbies)
Dylan Bronlund (Western Force)
Lachlan Hooper (ACT Brumbies)
Phil Talaileva (NSW Waratahs)
Billy Dickens (NSW Waratahs)
Cullen Gray (ACT Brumbies)
Tiam Toufan (Western Force)
Jakob Biet (ACT Brumbies)
Eli Sagata (ACT Brumbies)
Kauri Tipene-Grace (Western Force)
Angus Staniforth (ACT Brumbies)

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/super-...e-week-2023103

[Burgs]

There were local clubs who wanted to host the games and the Cheetahs. Why take the Cheetahs games to footy ovals. Did Mandurah Council throw some cash in to take the Cheetahs there?
Was the lighting for STAN not good enough at rugby clubs?
If so, why not play the Friday night Cheetahs game as part of a triple header on Saturday with the 16s and 18s.
How good would that have been.
We're back to Claremont Oval for the Cheetahs on Saturday so it really doesn't make sense to me.

My understanding from asking similar questions at the venues was answered with various versions of "greed". ie Asking too much to host the function/s.

[Burgs]

Well done to the teams! I thought they played well and some promising players coming through ��

Yes Jules, agreed. I was really impressed by both XV's and their conduct as well.
Combined with watching some +40 U8/9s on Friday night at halftime (just from "small" Mandurah) I am optimistic about the future of Rugby in Western Australia.
I do think it was an opportunity lost though in not reversing the hosting dates to combine the Friday Force v Cheetahs as a full Rugby festival with the Claremont Youth fixtures.

[blueandblack]

Round 2 – Sunday October 8, Ballymore

Queensland Reds U16s v Western Force U16s, 12:05pm (10.05am Perth Time)

Queensland Reds U19s v Western Force U19s, 1:45pm (11.45am Perth Time)