Emerging lock Lopeti Faifua has penned a new two-year deal with the Western Force, extending his stay in the west until 2028.
The 197cm second-rower, 24, has gone from strength to strength since heading to the Force in mid-2023, learning off Wallabies Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain and Argentina international Franco Molina.
Faifua has played four games this season, scoring against the Hurricanes in Round 5. That comes after an impressive stint with Tasman Mako in the 2025 NPC.
The former Australia U20 international has tallied 16 caps at the Force, having previously played five times for the Queensland Reds.
His extension is important list management for the Force, with locks Swain and Molina set to depart at the end of this season for European moves.
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “We always knew how exciting Lopeti’s upside was when we got him across. He has continuously worked hard on his craft at line-out time and as a tight-five forward.
“Getting him over to New Zealand to play some NPC helped with his development because he got to play 10 games in a row.
“He’s explosive and powerful. He works really hard off the field, so we’re really excited to keep him as we see him as a big part of the Club’s future.”
Faifua said: “Signing for another two years was the easiest decision I’ve made. I love this club and the boys in the group make it extra special wanting to stay.
“I love where the club is headed with a lot of the growth in it and to also give the Sea of Blue what it deserves, a Super Rugby championship.
“I feel being here will not only help with me wanting to develop my game but also aim to be a national representative.
“Being with the Force will help me with achieving that goal and I’ve been here for three years now and I’m definitely excited about what’s next to come.”
