The Western Force have re-signed 20-year-old tighthead prop Josh Smith on a two-year deal after impressing across the first half of the 2025 SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Smith joined the Force in pre-season on an injury cover contract, debuting against the ACT Brumbies in Round 2, becoming Force cap #272.
The emerging talent has gone on to play five times off the bench, adding depth to the side’s front-row options with his ball carrying ability and tackling prowess. He’s recorded 22 successful tackles across those five appearances.
Smith, who has Fijian and Tongan parentage, previously played for Hawkes Bay in New Zealand’s NPC as well as with New Zealand’s Under-20s where he met current Force forwards coach Tom Donnelly, who helped bring him west.
He played five games for New Zealand at last year’s Under-20 World Championship in South Africa, where the Baby Blacks finished third.
Force head coach Simon Cron was delighted to have Smith re-commit to the Club, viewing him as a player with plenty of potential and critical to the side’s future.
“Props are critical for success for every team in rugby across the world, so we’re really happy to have Josh re-sign with the Force,” Cron said.
“He is a young tighthead prop, who is strong and powerful. He’s got a great ball carry. He’s got good footwork.
“He’s got a really good skillset and is continuing to develop his strength at scrum time.
“For a tighthead prop at his age to be where he sits, we’re really impressed.
“We think it’s important we invest him now, as we believe he can come through and become a dominant member of the Western Force a long period of time.”
Smith said he was thrilled to re-sign with the Force and is excited about where the Club is headed.
“I am extremely excited to sign to the Force, we’ve got a great squad that continues to build,” Smith said.
“I decided to sign because It is an opportunity for me to grow my skills with a great squad and coaching staff
“The club is headed in the right direction, there is a lot of potential and talent in this squad and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Josh Smith
DOB: 11/6/2004
Height: 188cm
Position: Tighthead prop
Career History:
Western Force (2025-, 5 caps)
Hawkes Bay – NPC (2024, 2 caps)
