StartFragment
The Western Force are delighted to confirm the signing of loosehead prop Tom Osborne on an injury cover contract for the 2025 SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 26-year-old front-rower arrived in Perth last month and joins the Force after almost four years with English Premiership Rugby club Harlequins.
He’s signed as an injury cover replacement for loosehead prop Harry Hoopert who suffered an ACL injury in pre-season.
Osborne previously played alongside several current Force members at Sydney University, including Tom Robertson, Harry Potter, Tom Horton, Harry Johnson-Holmes and Nick Champion de Crespigny, for a side who won the Shute Shield in 2018 and 2019.
He moved to England to attend Oxford University in 2021, eventually signing with the Quins after a successful trial. During his time in England, he had loan stints with Championship Rugby club London Scottish, while he also captained Oxford University in their Varsity matches.
Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman said: “We’re thrilled to have Tom come on board for the rest of the season as an injury replacement.
“He adds depth and experience. He’s played as a professional in the UK for several years, so he’ll provide plenty of value to our group from that experience.
“He already knows a bunch of the guys from his time at Sydney University so there was already a connection there which, from a cohesion point of view in a team, is really important.”
Osborne said he was delighted to link up with the Force, enthused by what the Club is building in the west.
“I’m super excited to join the Western Force,” Osborne said. “The opportunity popped up with a few loosehead injuries at the Force and I couldn’t wait to get back to Australia and take up the chance.”
“I know a few of the guys already, it’s a beautiful part of the world but mostly I’m keen to be a part of the culture that’s building here.
“It’s a great squad, and an awesome coaching group.”
