Fergus Lee-Warner will depart the Western Force at the end of the current Super Rugby Pacific campaign to join Worcester Warriors.
Lee-Warner will be making the move overseas to the English Premiership side after five memorable seasons with the Force.
Having joined in 2018 during a transitional phase for the club and playing in the National Rugby Championship (NRC), World Series, Global Rapid Rugby competitions before being reintroduced to Super Rugby, Lee-Warner has been a significant part of the club during his time in Western Australia.
The powerful second rower, who has played as a flanker and lock, was part of the title-winning 2019 NRC Force side and won the coveted Nathan Sharpe Medal (club Best and Fairest) in 2020 following an outstanding first season in Super Rugby.
Lee-Warner praised the Force faithful for their unwavering support.
“I’ve loved my time here in Perth and it’s been amazing to play in front of the Sea of Blue for the last five years,” Lee-Warned said.
“Perth has become a home away from home and I’m sad to be leaving after making some incredible memories including that first World Series game against Fiji.
“I’d like to thank Hodgo (Matt Hodgson) for giving me the opportunity to play professional rugby. I was playing club rugby in Sydney before I signed with the Force in 2018, so I can’t thank him enough.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s support of the Force and all that they’ve done for the club. A huge thank you to Sambo (Tim Sampson) who has played a crucial role in my development, as well as Van (Humphries), Nick Hensley, Anthony Cutrupi, Paul Tito and Mark Ozich.”
Chief executive officer Tony Lewis thanked the 28-year-old for his contributions.
“Fergus has been a fantastic player, character and person at the Force. It’s been a pleasure to have him at the club,” Lewis said.
“Having developed his game at the Force, his performances, according to a number of pundits, have been deserving of a national call-up. We as a club are devastated and very disappointed to see Australian talent leaving the country. “On behalf of the entire organisation, I’d like to thank Fergus for his five seasons at the club and wish him all the very best on his new adventure in England.”
