The Western Force is excited to confirm the addition of trio Jack Daly, Misinale Epenisa and Henry Palmer to the Club’s Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific squad ahead of the 2026 season.
Daly and Palmer have both spent several months with the Force, playing in the Super Rugby AUS competition in September and October, while Epenisa joined the Force Academy in January.
All three have played in the Force’s recent pre-season trial games, impressing to earn contracts for the upcoming campaign.
Irish openside flanker Daly, 27, has signed on a two-year deal. The back-rower has previously spent several seasons with Munster in the United Rugby Championship and has experience with the Ireland 7s team and played at the 2018 World Cup U20 Championship for Ireland.
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “Jack has had a full pre-season with us. He has a lot of respect from the players around his work ethic and approach to the game.
“He’s a genuine on-ball seven and we’ve liked what we’ve seen from him. He’ll allow us to grow depth in that position with Carlo Tizzano and Kane Koteka also as options.”
Tongan tighthead prop Epenisa initially joined the Force Academy, having impressed playing for Manawatu in the National Provincial Championship. His scrum strength helped the Force’s pushover try in their opening trial win over the Queensland Reds.
2026 SIX-GAME FORCE MEMBERSHIPS ARE ON SALE FROM $145 PER ADULT AND $59 PER JUNIOR
Following Tiaan Tauakipulu’s retirement in December, Epenisa has been upgraded from his Academy contract for 2026 and signed on for a further two seasons after that.
Cron said: “Misi showed some beautiful green shoots with Manawatu over there. Watching footage of him, we were really impressed with his scrum shape.
“We thought we’d get him over here and give him an opportunity to see how he went with the players. He’s fitted in really well. He’s a good strong body. He’s got really good scrum shape. We think he’ll be a perfect addition to the team.”
Ex-Australia Sevens representative Palmer has penned a deal for the 2026 season. The speedy winger previously spent time at the ACT Brumbies, playing a key role in their Super Rugby Men’s Under-19 title in 2022. More recently, he was part of the Eastern Suburbs' 2025 Shute Shield Grand Final side.
Cron said: “Henry has been under a train-and-trial contract for us in the pre-season. He’s got some real X-factor with his speed. He’s the perfect guy in our environment because he does a lot of work away from the field around trying to plan and prepare for his performance on the field.
“We’ve been really impressed by his professionalism and that combined with his X-factor, we see him as a guy who has potential to play Super Rugby on the wing.”
The trio’s additions come with eight days until the Force’s 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the ACT Brumbies at HBF Park on Saturday 14 February. Tickets and Memberships are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
2026 SIX-GAME FORCE MEMBERSHIPS ARE ON SALE FROM $145 PER ADULT AND $59 PER JUNIOR
Jack Daly
Position: Openside flanker
DOB: 8/12/1998
Junior Club: Castleisland (Ire)
WA Aligned Club: UWA
Misinale Epenisa
Position: Tighthead prop
DOB: 11/10/2001
Junior Club: Toloa Old Boys (Tonga)
WA Aligned Club: Southern Lions
Henry Palmer
Position: Winger
DOB: 5/7/2003
Junior Club: Bathurst Bulldogs (NSW)
WA Aligned Club: Perth Bayswater
