This Saturday, homegrown Western Force centre and capped Wallaby Kyle Godwin will make his 100th Super Rugby appearance.
Born in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare on the 30th of July 1992, Godwin’s earliest memories are full of backyard rugby games with his cousins and friends. Godwin and his family moved to Perth in 2000 and the love for the game grew stronger with the Force entering Super Rugby in 2006.
TICKETS: Be there for Godwin's 100th appearance this Saturday against the Waratahs
From a Western Force fan heading to games in the early years with his family to watch the team play at the old Subiaco Oval, to progressing through the pathway and pulling on the jersey and captaining the side on multiple occasions, Godwin has lived out his dreams at his hometown club.
“As a kid, I had the goal of playing just one Super Rugby game, but I never thought it would become a reality,” Godwin explained.
“It was a childhood dream of mine to pull on the Force jersey. I remember in 2006 and 2007 going to games with my family watching the likes of Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe and Cameron Shepherd playing, so to then have the privilege and honour to play alongside them was a dream come true. “I’m humbled and honoured to be making my 100th appearance, however, putting in a good performance and coming away with a win against the Waratahs is my main focus.”
Having begun his journey in Western Australia with Associates Rugby Club (Soaks) as a junior from U9s, Godwin rose through the ranks at Allen Park and went on to win a Premier Grade title in 2012 playing at fly-half.
Godwin’s powerful run and carry style and booming left boot for Soaks and his school Aquinas College saw him join the Force Academy in 2009 and captain the Australian Schoolboys at the national championships in the same year.
The 2012 season proved a pivotal year, with Godwin becoming Western Force player #93 after making his debut aged 19 in a resounding 45-19 win over the Queensland Reds in Perth.
“I remember coming onto the field late in the game full of energy and adrenaline,” Godwin recounted. “The boys were playing so well, and I was fortunate to tag along for the last seven minutes of the game. “You dream about that moment your whole life. To be able to make my debut in front of family and friends was amazing. I remember being ecstatic after the game seeing everyone in the crowd.”
In the same year, Godwin scored 21 points at the IRB Junior World Championships for the Australian U20s and was named the RugbyWA U20 Player of the Year for his instrumental role in Soaks claiming the premiership.
Godwin quickly established himself at centre as an ever-present figure in Michael Foley’s Force side. He was known for his consistency and work ethic at inside centre in 2013 playing alongside his heroes, including Wallabies great David Pocock.
“Michael Foley gave me my first opportunity and played a crucial role in shaping me into the player I am today. He believed in me as a player and I’m forever grateful for that,” Godwin explained.
“David Pocock was a great influence and inspiration for me. I have great admiration for him as a player and as a person.”
During his first 52 appearances for the Force, Godwin was named Rookie of the Year, Members Most Valuable Player and in just his second year won the coveted Nathan Sharpe Medal as the club’s best and fairest in 2013.
After earning a memorable Wallabies Test cap in the 25-23 win over France in 2016 at the Stade de France, Godwin made the move to the ACT Brumbies. He would go on to spend two seasons (2017-2018) in the nation’s capital before moving to Ireland to join Connacht (2018-2020).
“I left the Force as a young man looking to grow myself on and off the field. I had a lot to learn. I felt that giving myself a new challenge was the best way to improve,” Godwin said.
“It was always my goal to return and represent the Force as a better player and person after my experiences with the Brumbies and Connacht.”
Godwin returned home to the Force in 2020, with the club invited to take part in the Super Rugby AU competition amid the Covid-19 pandemic. He has become a mainstay once again in the Force line-up and has relished his time playing back in Super Rugby in front of the Sea of Blue.
“I truly believe they (the Sea of Blue) are the most loyal supporters in the world. They come out in droves to support us each week in rain, hail, or shine,” he stated.
“Making the finals for the first time in the club’s history last year meant a lot to me. It was special to be a part of that moment.
“We wouldn’t be the club we are without them, and they deserve more success, which the boys are determined to achieve for them.”
In a career where he has achieved so much, Godwin heaped praise on his support network and his ambition has no signs of waning after being named Vice-Captain at the beginning of the season.
“Since I was a boy, my family have been my biggest supporters. Without their honest feedback and presence through the years, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Godwin noted.
“We ticked the box of making finals last year and I feel we have a great opportunity to turn this season around, make finals again and go one step further.”
With four tries already during the 2022 campaign, Godwin will be looking to lead from the front in the Force's charge for a second consecutive finals appearance.
