Western Force players will join New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) for the upcoming season (July 30 – October 24), securing vital high-level match experience ahead of the next Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
The targeted placements offer players who require additional game time up to 10 round-robin fixtures and finals, accelerating their physical and tactical development against elite opposition.
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Crucially, the move creates an immediate pathway for Western Australia’s local club talent. During the upcoming Swyftx Super Rugby AUS window in August and September, the absence of NPC-bound squad members opens doors for top Fortescue Premier Grade players to train and potentially take the field with the Force, along with providing a headstart for new recruits Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Wallace Charlie and Aden Ekanayake who’ll link up with the squad.
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “This is a targeted strategy to build our overall squad depth.
“There are players in our environment who didn’t get as many minutes in Super Rugby who need to be challenged both physically and mentally.
“The NPC provides high-quality, physical match minutes in a fresh environment, ensuring these players return with greater experience and ready to push for Super Rugby selection.”
“Equally exciting is what this opens up here in Perth. With those players away during the Super Rugby AUS window, we are actively integrating top Fortescue Premier Grade talent into our environment.
“It gives our local club players a genuine opportunity to test themselves at the next level, strengthening the connection between our WA club competition and the Force.”
The following players will be involved in the 2026 Hilux NPC;
Player – NPC Team
Sef Fa’agase – Southland
Lopeti Faifua – Tasman
Angus Farnan – North Harbour
Alex Harford – Auckland
Reuben O’Neill – Taranaki
Divad Palu – Wellington
Marley Pearce – Otago
Doug Philipson – Manawatu*
James Ramm – Northland
Joshua Smith – Hawkes Bay
*train and trial
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