Wallaby Feleti Kaitu’u has officially been confirmed as the new Western Force captain for the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The front rower will lead the Force for the 2022 campaign beginning on Sunday, 20 February against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Kaitu’u is thrilled to have been appointed captain.
“I’m honoured to lead, but most importantly serve this club and the Western Australian rugby community,” Kaitu’u explained.
“It’s a dream come true to captain this great club. The Force took a chance and gave me the opportunity to play on the big stage, shaping me into the player and man I am today.
“I’m excited for what lies ahead of us. We will be tested, but together, the possibilities are endless.”
Having joined the club in 2018, Kaitu’u has established himself as a crucial figure and consistent presence on the pitch in his 33 appearances.
Kaitu’u has developed into one of Australia’s premier hookers having enjoyed an outstanding 2021 Super Rugby campaign. After making his Wallabies debut in September last year in the memorable win over the Springboks on the Gold Coast, Kaitu’u has three Test caps to his name.
The 27-year-old assumes the role from club stalwart Ian Prior, who led the Force with the utmost esteem during a formative period, which included an NRC title in 2019 and a momentous return to Super Rugby.
The club would like to acknowledge Prior for his leadership over the last four years.
Outlining the decision, head coach Tim Sampson highlighted Kaitu’u’s unparalleled commitment to his duties on and off the pitch. “It’s a great honour to announce Feleti as captain. He’s a courageous player with a club first mindset that embodies our core values every day,” Sampson said.
“Feleti has gone from strength-to-strength since joining the club in 2018 and it’s been fantastic to see him develop into an international Test player. “He’s an extremely humble man who leads by example and fully deserves the recognition he’s gained with the Wallabies and now with the captaincy of our proud club.”
Kaitu’u is the sixth captain in the club’s history since 2006 and follows in the footsteps of Force legends Nathan Sharpe, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Ben McCalman and Ian Prior.
Homegrown capped Wallaby Kyle Godwin has been named vice-captain after experiencing run-on captaincy last season.
Feleti Kaitu’u
Place of birth: Newcastle, New South Wales
Born: December 30, 1994
Western Force Debut: May 4, 2018 v Fiji
Games: 33 Wallabies Test caps: 3
Aligned community club: Wests Scarborough
Western Force Club Captains:
Nathan Sharpe: 2006-2011
David Pocock: 2012
Matt Hodgson: 2013-2016, 2017 (co-captain)
Ben McCalman: 2017 (co-captain)
Ian Prior: 2018-2021
Feleti Kaitu’u: 2022-
