Western Force coach Simon Cron has confirmed a 26-player squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa to face the Cheetahs.
New recruit Harry Potter headlines the squad, arriving in Perth at the start of the week.
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The 25-year-old, who was included in Eddie Jones' England squad in 2022, is joined by Lopeti Faifua, who has made the move from the Reds.
Cron has looked to reward standouts from the Fortescue Premier Grade, with Ford Hemi (West Scarborough), Regi Churchward (UWA), Fa'amanu Kalolo (Perth Bayswater), Jack Grooby (Palmyra) and Giovanni Leituala (Cottesloe) included.
“We have five players out of WA club rugby who we think have been standouts in the competition,” Cron said.
“They’ve been training with us for the last three to four weeks and they’ve been a pleasure to work with. They’ve shown a real want to go to South Africa and play for the Western Force in the spring series which is great."
There is also a host of established Super Rugby stars, with Nathan Sharpe Medalist Sam Spink joined by the likes of Carlo Tizzano, Ian Prior, Jeremy Williams and returning flyhalf Reesjan Pasitoa
Cron has also included four Fortescue Academy players, headlined by former Waratahs prop Tiaan Tauakipulu.
Tauakipulu played four games for the Waratahs since his debut in 2019, joined by Junior Wallaby Ronan Leahy, Justin Landman and Albert Alcock.
“We’ve got four Fortescue Academy players who’ll be coming. That again is an opportunity for them to learn how to tour and to step up against South African opponents," Cron added.
“We want them to learn as much as they can, knowing that all of these players could potentially play in Super Rugby in 2024.
“We have five other additions to the team so in total there’s 14 new squad members to add depth moving forward. They’re a great bunch of boys, we’re really impressed with them so far."
Western Force Toyota Challenge tour squad
Albert Alcock, Max Burey, Regi Churchward, Lopeti Faifua, Donny Freeman, Jack Grooby, Ford Hemi, Tom Horton, Fa'amanu Kalolo, Bayley Kuenzle, Justin Landman, Ronan Leahy, Giovanni Leituala, Reesjan Pasitoa, Marley Pearce, George Poolman, Harry Potter, Ian Prior, Jackson Pugh, Henry Robertson, Sam Spink, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Josh Thompson, Carlo Tizzano, Angus Wagner, Jeremy Williams
Toyota Challenge schedule vs Cheetahs
Game 1, Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, Friday 25 August 11pm AWST
Game 2, Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, Saturday 2 September 9pm AWST
Game 3, Lane Group Stadium, Mandurah, Friday 29 September 7pm AWST
Game 4, Revo Fitness Stadium, Saturday 7 October 3pm AWST
