Western Force forwards Will Harris and Tom Horton will create some unique history this Saturday, playing their 50th Super Rugby games together having debuted alongside one another in 2020.
Harris and Horton have both been named to start in the Force’s Round 11 clash away to the Chiefs from 3:05pm WST Saturday, bringing up their 50-game milestones.
The duo had debuted at Super Rugby AU level together in Round 1 of 2020 for the NSW Waratahs.
“I don’t know if that’s happened before, but it is pretty special,” Harris said. “He’s one of my best mates.”
Harris’ current housemate Ben Donaldson debuted in Round 2 of that 2020 season against the Force at the SCG and, barring injury, is set to bring up his 50th game in Round 13 too.
Townsville-born Harris played 41 games with the Tahs before switching west prior to this season, while Horton played 26 times for NSW before joining the Force ahead of the 2023 campaign.
On his own milestone, Harris added: “I was stoked to get one so to get 50 I’m stoked. A fair few at the Tahs and now at the Force.
“It’s been good to play all those games. I enjoy playing any footy, Super Rugby is obviously a high level and testing myself. Hopefully there’s many more.”
Reflecting on how he’s evolved over the past five years since his debut, Harris joked: “I’m probably a bit heavier than when I started.
“It’s funny looking back at what I was like, I’d have a fair bit to say to myself. I’d say get in the gym and train a bit harder.
“I’ve had a fair few learnings along the way. Different coaches and players have helped me grow as a player. I’ve probably changed a lot as a man as well, which is cool to reflect on.”
Harris has played the past three games for the Force following a Round 6 lay-off due to head injury protocols and said there was belief internally the side could upset the Chiefs this Saturday.
The 23-year-old back-rower said there’d been a positive shift within the group after the mid-season bye, culminating in the 37-15 win over the Crusaders a fortnight ago.
“It’s a good vibe in the group,” he said. “That Crusaders win, we didn’t get the win on Saturday, but I feel like we’re starting to come together as a footy team on the field.
“But also off the field, I‘ve been here for five months and I’m starting to make some good connections with the lads and the coaches and the staff. I’m really enjoying it.”
Speaking about the 7-6 loss to the Highlanders, Harris added: “When you lose by one point and you leave a fair few points out there, it’s disappointing.
“We reviewed it and there were some honest conversations. It’s in the past now. We’ll look towards the Chiefs this Saturday.”
