Cameron Shepherd signed with the Western Force

Cameron Shepherd has joined the Western Force

With the No. 15 jersey in his sights exciting NSW Waratahs utility back Cameron Shepherd today signed a three-year contract with the Western Force.

Shepherd, 21, will move to Perth in October to join the new Super 14 team. He made his decision after considering formal offers from the Waratahs, Force and Brumbies in the past month.

"It was a most difficult decision considering how enjoyable and rewarding the past two seasons have been with the Waratahs, even though I've had limited opportunities this year," he said today. "The opportunity presented to me to be the starting fullback with the Western Force obviously had a major influence on my decision".

Only three years after leaving Sydney's Barker College, Shepherd made a stunning debut with the Waratahs last year, playing in every Super 12 match. During Mat Rogers' long absence through injury, Shepherd won rave reviews for his performances in the No. 15 jersey. The Wallaby selectors acknowledged his potential by choosing him for Australia A against the French Barbarians in Paris last November.

Although he has essentially been a bench warmer this season, Shepherd said being a member of the Super 12 competition leaders had been a "terrific experience and honour". "I just hope that we can win the title from here," he said. "The team is very focused and, like me, everyone's ready to put in a maximum effort."

Western Force Head Coach John Mitchell said Shepherd's signing not only solved the team's No. 15 position but meant "another top quality player with the capacity and creativity to become a Wallaby will be on board with us".

"As well as being a competitive force in Super 14 rugby, we are committed to providing players to the Wallabies," he said. "Cameron Shepherd is one such player whom we can hopefully assist in getting to that level".