The Western Force today confirms the exciting addition of 19-time All Blacks winger and six-time Super Rugby champion George Bridge on a two-year contract.
Bridge, 30, joins the Force after spending the past three seasons with Montpellier in France’s Top 14 where he also played in the European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
He was part of New Zealand’s 2019 World Cup squad and is a four-time Super Rugby champion and two-time Super Rugby Aotearoa winner from his six-year stint with the Crusaders.
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During the 2019 World Cup, Bridge started four of the All Blacks’ games, scoring in the pool stage win over South Africa and the quarter-final victory over Ireland.
The right winger, who can also play full-back, was part of the All Blacks’ side that won the 2021 Rugby Championship. He has scored 12 tries from his 19 Test appearances.
Bridge has played 82 Super Rugby games and scored 37 tries from his time with the Crusaders (2017-2022) and clocked up 48 caps and 11 tries for Montpellier (2022-2025) while in France.
Force head coach Simon Cron was thrilled to secure a player of Bridge’s experience, quality and professionalism for the next two Super Rugby Pacific campaigns.
Cron said: “George is well known to a number of people on our staff and they can’t speak highly enough of his professionalism, approach to the game and his rugby knowledge.
“He’s got a massive left foot kick. He can play multiple positions. He’s a brilliant player. An amazing talent. He’ll add to the guys that we have in the squad.
“We know when we have injuries, it’s important we have depth so we can progress deep into Super Rugby finals.
“He’s got a huge amount to give. He’s been playing at Montpellier at Top 14 level. I know a few NZ franchises were chasing him hard, but he wanted to join the Force.
“I know George and his family were keen to come here and make Perth their chosen home, which is what we’re all about. He’ll add a lot to our environment.”
Bridge was looking forward to joining the Force, buoyed by the Club’s trajectory under Cron.
“I’m excited to be moving to WA and joining the Western Force,” Bridge said.
“They’re a club heading in the right direction and I’m keen to take on the new challenge and contribute to the club’s success.
"I’ve always loved my time in Perth, and with friends and good connections among the staff and players, it felt like the right fit."
Bridge is due to arrive in Perth in November ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Register your interest in a 2026 Western Force Membership
George Bridge
DOB: 1/4/1995 Place of birth: Gisborne (NZ) Height: 186cm Position: Wing
International career history
All Blacks (2018-, 19 caps, 12 tries)
Club career history
Montpellier (2022-2025, 48 caps, 11 tries) Crusaders (2017-2022, 82 caps, 37 tries) Canterbury (NPC) (2016-2022, 44 caps, 22 tries)
