After debuting for the Force in 2017, Isi Naisarani has returned. The 61-capped Super Rugby backrower comes with a mountain of experience, including the 2019 Wallabies World Cup campaign.
Finishing up with the Shizuoka Blue Revs in the Japan Rugby League One side, Naisarani joins the Force for the remainder of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season. The Fijian-born utility forward will look to cover both the lock and back row positions.
The last time Naisarani was in Force colours saw him run out for every match at 22 years old. Six years on, he is thrilled to be back representing the club that gave him his first professional opportunity.
"I wanted to return here and do my best again. I've got lots to give back to the Force and Australia and am looking forward to being involved in the Super Rugby environment, playing good quality rugby again, " Naisarani commented.
"Coming back here is like going back in time. It feels like a lifetime ago I was living here in Perth, so I'm excited to be back here where I started my career."
"On my first day here, I caught up with Ian [Prior]. It was great to see him again and possibly play alongside him once more."
Speaking with head coach Simon Cron, Naisarani is clear on his role and intent at the club, admitting that the coaching staff have a clear direction and that he is excited to learn from them.
"I had a Zoom meeting with Simon Cron and Matt Hodgson a few weeks ago. Cron sounds like an intelligent coach with a clear direction for the Force. I'm looking forward to working with him as I know he wants the best for me, too."
"Cron wants me to be back in the contest again and to put 100% into training. I'm looking forward to having him enlist his knowledge and guide me in areas of my game." "I was stuck with the injury back in Japan, so I'm looking forward to working with the high-performance staff here to see where we can go."
Naisarani has started training with the squad and will be available for selection in the upcoming weeks.
