The Western Force have pulled off yet another major signing as Wallaby Ben Donaldson heads west.
The Waratah signs with the club on a two-year deal, joining fellow Wallaby Nic White.
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“I’m really excited to continue my career in Perth. I’m really impressed by the program that Simon and the coaches are running and also by the squad that’s developing at the Western Force," Donaldson said in a statement,
“The team has plenty of talent, playing some unreal footy this season and I’m looking forward to earning the respect of the supporters and my teammates and getting an opportunity to contribute my skills and work ethic to the squad.
“It’s a really exciting time in Australian Rugby at the moment and I’m looking forward to continuing to improve as a player and fight for opportunities for higher honours.”
The 24-year-old has excelled since emerging on the scene during the U20 World Championships with the Junior Wallabies.
He made his debut for the Waratahs in 2020 before eventually earning a call-up to Australia A in 2022.
This was parlayed into a maiden Wallabies Test off the bench against Italy before starting the final game of 2022 during a thrilling win over Wales.
“As a team we need to grow our positional competition. It’s critical that we have competition in each position so when we train the intensity and accuracy tests our execution. Ultimately practice execution becomes game reality," Western Force coach Simon Cron said.
"Dono [Donaldson] is a world-class player and a great human who will add to our squad. In talking with the other 10s, they are excited to have him onboard because it will only make everyone push to be their best.
“He is a triple threat in attack with a running game and kick and pass skillsets, which means the defence must think. Combine this with his drive to learn and the desire to be his best, we are excited to get him over here.
“We look forward to putting him in different situations and scenarios that will help him develop as a player and give him the structures around him that he needs to be successful."
“Ben is a young player with plenty of potential and his re-signing is positive for Australian Rugby," Wallabies coach Eddie Jones added.
