Western Force back-rower Reed Prinsep will call time on his professional rugby career following Sunday’s Super Rugby AUS Grand Final, wrapping up an 11-year career that included almost 100 Super Rugby caps and representing the Maori All Blacks.
The 32-year-old will later this year head to Oxford University to study an Executive Masters of Business Administration as his he and his young family, wife Mel and their two children Cartia and Heidi, move on to the next chapter of their lives.
Prinsep, 32, made 99 Super Rugby appearances with three clubs, the Crusaders (2015-2016), the Hurricanes (2017-2023) and the Force (2024-2025). He also earned 10 caps for the Māori All Blacks from 2016 to 2022.
The back-rower broke into professional rugby at Canterbury in late 2014 and was part of the side that won three straight NPC titles from 2015 to 2017.
After a playing career in his native New Zealand, he was lured to the Force in early 2024 by head coach Simon Cron, notching up 25 Super Rugby appearances. He finished fifth in the 2024 Nathan Sharpe medal count after an impressive debut season in Perth.
Prinsep explained the decision, revealing from his teenage years he always wanted to study at Oxford University, and reflecting on his journey as a player.
He said: “The decision to study at Oxford has been on my mind since I left high school, so it’s always been the masterplan to transition out of rugby. When the offer came through, I felt it was the best time to take it up.
“I feel like I got everything out of myself and my body. I’d rather finish a year early, than a year late so the timing felt right. Rugby has opened up many doors for life beyond my playing days, and my family and I are excited about the next chapter.
“The journey has been special. You get told by senior players that your career goes by in a flash and that’s certainly true. It feels like yesterday I made my debut at Canterbury.
“I never came through an Academy system, so I’ve always played for the love of the game and made the most of every opportunity. I started out at Canterbury in the midst of a dynasty winning three titles in a row. That was a special time with a special team.
“I’ve been blessed to have opportunities in Super Rugby at the Crusaders, Hurricanes and Force and met some great people along the way. There’s lots of highlights including debut games and milestone games, but it’s always been about the people.”
Across his 11-year career, Prinsep also played 73 Super Rugby games for the Hurricanes, as well as 83 NPC caps for Canterbury, including the three titles.
Prinsep offered gratitude to his wife Mel and family, along with coaches along the way.
“The biggest thank you goes to my wife Mel, who has been beside me every step of my career,” he said. “The support she’s provided has been unbelievable and enabled me to have this career, with all the travel and now everything that comes with having two children.
“It’s been such a proud moment having my two daughters coming watch my games, particularly at the Force and seeing them on the field after the games. It’s something I’ve really enjoyed.
“I’m grateful to my mum Andrea and dad Grant for their support from day dot, dropping me off at training or games when I was a junior and being at every game growing up. My love of the game began through them. When I was young, I recall my dad telling me ‘you’ll enjoy the game more if you’re fitter’ and he was right. It’s the little things like that.
“My brother Blair was a great rugby player in his own right and it was amazing to have him to train and play alongside growing up. He pushed me to get better.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with plenty of great coaches along the way and it was Razor who gave me my first opportunity at Canterbury. Jason Holland was there at my first day at Canterbury and throughout my entire journey at the Hurricanes too.
“I’m hugely grateful to the Force and Crono for giving me an opportunity two years ago. I was at a tough spot after missing the 2023 season with Achilles injury, but I feel like I played some of my best Super Rugby at the Force. That was due to good people around me and a good support network, pushing me to be my best.
“It’s been special to be part of the Force team for the past two years and the fans have been unreal. I’ve been at teams in New Zealand where rugby is the number one, so there’s something special about the Sea of Blue’s commitment through thick and thin at the Force.
“For how I’d like to be remembered, I hope I’ve earned the respect of teammates along the way, with my work ethic and efforts on and off the field. I’ve never wanted to let people down and always aimed to get the best out of myself.
“I always led through my actions and wanted to be a role model for the young guys coming through to get the best out of themselves.”
Cron praised Prinsep for his contribution to the Force during his two years at the Club where he quickly became part of the leadership group and earned the nickname ‘Concrete’ for his hard carries.
“Reed has been a phenomenal leader of men,” Cron said. “He leads by his actions.
“He has an amazing knowledge of the game and never stops working and never lets you down. He’s been a huge asset.
“We wish him, his wife Mel and their two daughters Cartia and Heidi all the best in their next adventure in England.”
Reed Prinsep
DOB: 17/2/1993
Position: Back-rower
Super Rugby debut: 2016 with Crusaders
Super Rugby caps: 99 (1 with Crusaders (2016), 73 with Hurricanes (2017-2023), 25 with Force (2024-2025))
Force cap: 253
Maori All Blacks caps: 10
