The Western Force advises fan favourite and Club 50-gamer Issak Fines-Leleiwasa will depart the Club following Super Rugby AUS later this year.
The popular scrum-half will leave having joined an exclusive club earlier this year, when he reached 50 Force caps in Round 5 away to the Crusaders. He was the 24th player to achieve the feat.
Fines-Leleiwasa is a former Nathan Sharpe medalist (2019) and was part of the Force side that won the National Rugby Championship in that season.
The 29-year-old won over the Sea of Blue with his busy, all-action approach, combined with blistering speed, an unwavering commitment to his teammates and passion for WA rugby, playing when available for Perth Bayswater in the Fortescue Premier Grade.
The Sydney-born, Port Douglas-raised half-back originally joined the Force in 2018 but moved to the ACT Brumbies to play Super Rugby in 2020.
He returned to the Force in 2021, following the side’s return to Super Rugby, with his strong 2023 form - where he won the Club’s Members’ MVP - leading to inclusion in the Wallabies’ World Cup squad and his international debut.
Fines said: “I just want to thank everyone over the past four seasons, I’ve enjoyed every opportunity I got to represent the Force with a great bunch of men and some of the best and most loyal fans being the Sea of Blue.
“I’ve made life-long connections both on and off the field and that’s something I’m truly grateful for. #177 signing out.”
Force head coach Simon Cron thanked Fines-Leleiwasa for his exceptional service at the Club.
Cron said: “Finesy has been a critical team member at the Force. He has earned a lot of respect and admiration due to his professional approach both on and off the field.
"We thank Finesy for being such a great team member and wish him, his partner Ren, and young daughter Isla, all the best for the next chapter of their lives."
Fines-Leleiwasa will remain eligible to play for the Force in the Super Rugby AUS competition commencing in September.
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
Club career history
Western Force (2018-2019, 2021- , 54 caps) #177
ACT Brumbies (2020-2021, 10 caps) #229
Honours
2023 Western Force Members’ MVP
2019 Nathan Sharpe medal
2019 NRC winner
International career history
Wallabies (2023- , 2 caps) #971
