Kiwi-born Alex Harford was supposed to be preparing for another provincial season across the ditch.
Instead, a whirlwind 2025 has blown him into the Force's starting 10 jersey against the British & Irish Lions on Saturday.
With Ben Donaldson expected to start at flyhalf after his return to camp, Harford was a surprise inclusion for Simon Cron's side to tackle the touring Lions at a packed-out Optus Stadium.
It continues the sudden rise for the 26-year-old flyhalf (who is Australian-eligible through his mother) after making his name for Canterbury in New Zealand’s NPC (National Provincial Championship).
Harford spent time with both the Blues and Crusaders without being able to break through for a Super Rugby cap before signing with Auckland in 2024 - only for a Round 1 knee injury against Wellington to put him on the sidelines long-term.
Ready for another season in the NPC, it was former Blues coach Leon MacDonald who tipped the Force off to Harford early in the season, leading to their signing him as injury cover.
“During my NPC campaign last year, I ended up having knee surgery so I wasn't involved in the Super teams for 2025 and then basically just asked if I wanted to come in once my knee was up to scratch,” he told Rugby.com.au.
“I ended up meeting them while they were on the NZ tour. It worked out to be quite good timing.
“When the opportunity popped up it really excited me. I felt like I had done my time in New Zealand. It was really cool to be able to be over here.”
Harford was thrown into the deep end on debut against the Fijian Drua before coming off the bench in the Force's Super Point thriller with NSW Waratahs.
Now, the playmaker is soaking in the opportunity to face some of the best in the world as the Lions begin their Australian tour.
“I knew it was part of the full schedule when I came over but I definitely wasn't expecting anything,” Harford said.
“It's very exciting and unexpected but you’d like to think things happen for a reason.”
Harford is potentially on a crash course with Bath champion and Scotland ace Finn Russell, the self-styled ‘Messi of Rugby’ who shot to global fame during last year's Six Nations documentary.
Incredibly, the two have crossed paths before - Harford was a keen observer during Russell’s stint playing in the local Canterbury competition as a 20-year-old.
“(Russell) played a bit of club rugby in Christchurch when I was growing up. I first watched him there and then he ended up going back to Scotland and really kicking on," Harford revealed.
“I think on top of his core roles, he's just really expressive with the way he plays. He sees a picture and he tries to take it and he is a very impressive first five.
“If it is something I get to face up against, it would be very cool."
Harford certainly isn't lacking for belief - he stepped up for a game-winning, after-the-siren penalty against the Waratahs instead of Kurtley Beale, only to watch the attempt fade away from the posts.
Most importantly, Harford is eager to commit long-term to the Force and Australian Rugby, pleased with what he’s seen so far.
“I feel like I've done a pretty good apprenticeship,” he explained.
“I was under Richie (Mo’unga) and Fergus Burke at the Crusaders and then Harry Plummer and Steve Perofeta at the Blues as well.
“[They’re] just really quality players and being able to learn week in and week out with them and trying to apply it this year.
“My mum's side is all in Australia. I’ve obviously known it's always been there. I guess that was part of the opportunity to come over as well," Harford added.
“It wasn't just a stop-over destination. It's somewhere that I'd really like to be long-term.
“I really like the direction of the Force and Australian rugby. It's cool to be involved.”
