Qantas Wallabies and Western Force backrower Ben McCalman has signed a new three-year flexible contract with the Australian Rugby Union through until at least the end of 2018.
The 27-year-old backrower has chosen to remain with the Western Force as part of the significant three-year contract extension, where he will also be determined to add to his current tally of 38 international Test caps.
As part of the contract, McCalman will be eligible to play one domestic season of Rugby in Japan at the end of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, before returning to the Western Force for the 2016 Super Rugby season.
McCalman said it was important for him to remain contracted to Australian Rugby and the Western Force.
“The Western Force gave me an opportunity early in my career and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences here in Perth over the past six years,” McCalman said.
“We’ve made giant strides on and off the field over the past few seasons and it was important for me that I continued to be part of the journey. I feel it is the best place for me to play my Rugby and continue to develop as a player over the next three years.
“I’d also like to thank the Australian Rugby Union for the opportunity to continue my Rugby here in Perth. I’m excited about the opportunity to play a season in Japan at the end of the Rugby World Cup, before focusing exclusively on my Rugby in Australia until at least the end of 2018.”
With his contract extension now finalised, McCalman said his sole focus was on playing well for the Force in the lead-up to Rugby Championship before heading to England.
“It’s no secret that everyone wants to be part of the World Cup squad, but the only thing you can control at the moment is your own form at Super Rugby,” he said.
“We’ve had a challenging season to date, but there is a strong resolve amongst the squad to turn things around, and I’m really looking forward to getting that started with an important game against the Brumbies on Friday night.”
McCalman was one of the Qantas Wallabies’ most consistent performers in 2014 representing the Wallabies on nine occasions and was arguably their best player on the end of season Spring Tour, playing every minute of all four matches against Wales, France, Ireland and England.
He has continued his form throughout the 2015 Super Rugby season to consistently be one of the Force’s most dynamic players during the first half of the season.
McCalman made his Test debut against South Africa in 2010 and is quickly approaching the prestigious 50-game mark for the Qantas Wallabies, currently just 12 games shy of the mark.
Ben McCalman (Wallaby No.845)
Position: Backrow
Height: 1.92m
Weight: 108kg
Date of Birth: 18/03/1988
Place of Birth: Dubbo, NSW
Province: Western Force
Super Rugby Caps: 79
Super Rugby Debut: 2010 v Brumbies, Perth
Test Caps: 38
Test Debut: 2010 v South Africa, Brisbane
