The Western Force have continued their push to sign Australian-eligible talent after recruiting Perth-born and raised scrum-half Nathan Hastie on a two-year deal.
Hastie is coming off a great season with the Highlanders, making seven starts in 2025 after originally debuting against the Force two years earlier.
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The 24-year-old scrumhalf played for the Junior All Blacks and was born in Perth, playing club rugby for Wanneroo.
“It feels like a full circle moment to be coming back and playing for the team I grew up watching," Hastie admits.
“I still remember my dad taking me to HBF Park to watch the Force - I always loved those rugby days. Now, having the chance to play for them myself is something I’m truly excited and grateful for.
“To me, this is a great chance to grow my game, learn off experienced campaigners, work towards higher honours, and represent the city that’s always been home - all while playing in front of the people who’ve supported me from the start.
“The Force are a dangerous team. I’m really looking forward to bringing my own skills and energy to this team.”
It comes after the Force picked up flyhalf Alex Harford from New Zealand, with coach Simon Cron's strategy in bringing back Australian-eligible players from overseas producing Wallabies in Harry Potter and Nick Champion de Crespigny.
“We’re always looking at Australian players, where they are and what they’re doing," Cron said.
"We’re trying to attract some of those players back into Australia like Harry Potter and Nick Champion de Crespigny who’ve both gone on to debut for the Wallabies.
“Hastie has an amazing skillset, with a great pass and he can kick both feet. He’s very driven and at 24 years of age, he has plenty to give to the west for years to come.
“We see Nathan as a guy who’ll push everybody for that starting spot. He has the skillset to be genuinely great as a nine.”
Hastie fills the void left by Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, who joined the Fijian Drua, set to link up with the club after the NPC.
