Force finalise list with former Wallaby

The Emirates Western Force has locked in the 33rd and last member of its inaugural playing squad – former Wallaby, Scott Staniforth.

Staniforth has agreed to join the Perth-based Tooheys New Super 14 team from English club London Irish, after his agent, Greg Keenan, flew to London last week to broker his early release.

The 27 year old joined London Irish last year after playing more than 60 Super 12 games for the Waratahs and three appearances for the Wallabies.

He played 34 games for London Irish, scoring 13 tries and earning the club’s Player of the Season award for 2004-05.

The 99kg wing/fullback said he was thrilled at the chance to return to Australia and become a founding member of the Western Force.

“I’m grateful to London Irish for letting me go and giving me the chance at this exciting opportunity in Perth,” he said.

“My wife and I were ready to come home and we are thrilled the Western Force was keen to have us.”

Western Force head coach John Mitchell described Staniforth as fast and strong. He said he was a talented player, who would add pace and muscle to the player mix.

“He adds to our core of experience, having played more than 60 Super 12 games and a dominant figure in the English club championship,” Mitchell said.

“Scott is a great team player and runner of the ball, and will be hard to bring down.”

RugbyWA chief executive Peter O’Meara said he was delighted Staniforth had decided to join the Western Force.

“We recently became aware of Scott’s desire to return to Australia, and we told his agent that – if Scott was released by London Irish - we were keen to talk,” he said.

Staniforth is the fourth overseas-based player to join the Western Force squad, reversing the trend of Australians going offshore because of a lack of opportunity.

“James Hilgendorf, Dave Pusey, John Welborn and now Scott have all come from overseas and joined the Western Force,” Mr O’Meara said.

“It’s further confirmation that Australian rugby needed a fourth provincial team to provide an opportunity for good players to return home.”

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