The Western Force is thrilled to confirm the elevation into the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific squad of exciting Australia U20s utility back Boston Fakafanua.
The dynamic 20-year-old, who is primarily a midfielder, has graduated through the Fortescue Academy since moving west in 2023, impressing in Force colours during last year’s Super Rugby Men’s U19s including a hat-trick against the Melbourne Rebels.
Fakafanua spent time training with the Force Super Rugby squad in 2025 and played three games, including the Grand Final, of the recent Super Rugby AUS competition.
The talented back was part of Australia’s squads at the 2024 and 2025 World Rugby U20 Championships. Fakafanua, who went to Sydney’s well-known rugby production line King’s School, captained the Force in last year’s Super Rugby Men’s U19s.
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Western Force head coach Simon Cron said: “He’s a very exciting talent who has come through the pathways and been with the Western Force for the past two years.
“He demonstrated through the Super Rugby AUS competition that he’s a very good defensive reader.
“We felt like even during our pre-season training, his catch-passes and running lines have been really impressive. Over the last four-to-five months we’ve started to see him grow physically.
“As a result, he’s very talented and we’re excited about his ceiling and upside.”
Fakafanua was grateful to the Force for the opportunity and excited about his maiden chance at Super Rugby level after two years in the Club’s system.
“I’m excited for an opportunity,” Fakafanua said. “The Force have shown some good trust in me especially over the Super Rugby AUS period which, for me, was a good opportunity to grow my game and rub shoulders with the senior squad.
“It was great to work closely with the likes of Chucky (James Stannard), KB (Kurtley Beale) and Max Burey and learn off them to grow my footy.
“You always want to play where you feel welcome. Getting to know the Force boys over the last period has been great. It’s been a place where I feel comfortable and a place I want to succeed.”
Cron added he was thrilled to see another Fortescue Academy prospect graduate into the Super Rugby squad.
“Ideally we can start to can continue to develop players from our Academy into our Super Rugby program like Boston who follows in the footsteps of Marley Pearce, Albert Alcock and a growing list of others,” he said.
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Boston Fafakanua
DOB: 29/7/2005
Place of Birth: Kawakawa, NZ
Height: 182cm
Position: Utility back
Junior club: Hills Junior Rugby Union Club (NSW)
WA aligned clubs: Wests Scarborough (WA)
