The Western Force's newest signing is influential back-rower Will Harris who commits to the West on a two-year deal.
Originally hailing from Townsville, Harris, along with four current Force players (Bo Abra, Carlo Tizzano, Ben Donaldson and Henry Robertson), was in the 2019 Australian U20's World Cup Silver Medal-winning side in Argentina.
The 23-year-old made his Super Rugby AU debut for the Waratahs in 2020 alongside Force's recent signing Ben Donaldson.
The Scots College graduate can play both number 8 and 6 and, in three years, has clocked up 41 caps and two Australia A games (2022), attaching his name to strong ruck defence and consistent carries.
The 6′ 5″ back-rower weighs in at 115kg, putting on nine kilograms of muscle over this year's pre-season, adding to his athletic build and strength around the park.
Head coach Simon Cron is excited to have Harris join his 2024 squad, commenting: "Will is extremely fast and explosive as well as having a high skill level.
He adds another genuine lineout option to our forward pack because he is incredibly fast off the ground”.
"I was lucky enough to coach Will a few years ago and he is a player who is always wanting to learn and get better. He is very driven and adds a wealth of Super Rugby experience at such a young age”.
Harris is unafraid to get his head in dark places, similar to his best mate, Force lock, Jeremy Williams, whom he is eager to link up with again after 10 years in each other's corners.
"Crono and Jeremy (Williams) are two key factors for my move over. The Force is a team on the up, and I want to stay in Australia to push for a Wallabies jersey. Here, I look forward to a fresh start and improving my game," Harris mentioned.
"Jeremy and I went to school together and have stayed in the same friendship circle and best mates for the last ten years. We played club rugby together, school, the list goes on. He 'Jeremy' has had only good things to say about the Force, so that made me sure of my move over.
Crono is a very individualistic coach; he has a lot of time for you one-on-one, knows his detail in and out, and is ruthless. I have heard he keeps everyone accountable.
I have sort of made myself known in the Super competition now. I still have a lot to work on in terms of my attacking game and getting a bit more involved with the ball, my carry in the middle, and overall being more physical around the park."
Harris will join the team in the coming weeks to prepare for the upcoming spring series against the Cheetahs.
