The Western Force today confirms the signing of Australia-born one-cap England international hooker Nic Dolly, who’ll join the club in July 2024.
The 24-year-old front-rower has spent the past seven years playing in England, most recently with Premiership Rugby club Leicester Tigers, having been born and raised in Sydney.
Dolly was capped at senior international level by England in November 2021 against South Africa, having represented the country at under-age level. That came during an impressive 2021-22 season where he scored nine tries in 21 games in Premiership Rugby and the European Rugby Champions Cup.
The hooker was part of the Tigers’ squad that won the 2021-22 Premiership Rugby title, but missed the final following a long-term knee injury which ruled him out for 11 months, returning competitively in April last year.
Dolly’s move back to Australia where he was born, however, means he will become eligible to play for the Wallabies in November this year.
Force general manager of rugby Matt Hodgson said: “We’re rapt to complete a deal to bring Nic back home to Australia.
“Nic’s signing is further reinforcement of our commitment to squad depth in all positions and he brings international quality, for both club and country.
“He proved himself as a high-quality hooker at Leicester and we’re excited to offer him an opportunity to get back to playing regular games to boost his international aspirations.”
Dolly said he was attracted by the project at the Force, as well as working with head coach Simon Cron.
“I’m excited to play and just play really well to help the Club on its trajectory,” Dolly said. “I’ve been over here for seven years, and I always had a plan to go back home to play rugby.
“The Force approached me and made me feel wanted which was a huge attraction. The long-term plan and direction the Club is going is exciting, with Crono locked in for the next few years. It feels like a great move and a great place to live.”
Dolly revealed Harry Potter and Sam Carter, who both joined the Force from Leicester in the past 12 months, had played a part in his decision.
“I spoke to Harry Potter, in particular, along with Carts (Sam Carter) and in terms of culture and what the Club is trying to do, it’s all been positive and something I believe I can add to, both on and off field,” he said.
“I’ve learned lots in the Premiership and I’m itching to get into it and back playing regular games.”
Dolly will arrive in Australia in July at the conclusion of the Premiership Rugby season to join his new Force teammates.
