Dear Western Force Fans,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being part of our journey this season, which at times has had periods of difficulty, frustration, and elation.
The club acknowledges that we must start winning with consistency on the pitch. We will embark on our 2023 campaign with the desire to excite and inspire the West Australian rugby community through a winning culture.
This includes a team that never gives up, world-class recruitment for our professional men’s and women’s teams, recruiting for the Western Force Fortescue Academy program, and active community engagement.
I can assure you we will be building on this year’s significant progress with our Super W team. I am immensely proud of what we’ve all achieved in this space, and our expansion plans will further contribute to the club being the leading force in women’s rugby.
With the likes of Grason Makara, Alex Masibaka and Jackson Pugh making their competition debuts this season, I’ve been thrilled with the development of our homegrown WA talent.
The appointment of Simon Cron as Head Coach will spearhead the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign and provides an ambitious platform for the team and club as a whole. The values Andrew and Nicola Forrest set will continue to drive us as we begin this new chapter together.
I make three promises to you for the 2023 campaign. My first promise is that we will leave no stone unturned and win every minute of every day. We know that Cron and his team of coaches will demand professionalism every day to ensure the sustained success that our loyal member and fan base deserves.
Secondly, our team will prepare to win every match and deliver an exciting brand of rugby. Our players will put it all on the line for the jersey and the people of Western Australia.
Finally, we know that to be successful, our players, our coaches and our staff must be prepared physically and mentally for the challenges they will face on the journey to success.
In 2023, we need to once again #PackThePark! We need to hear the deafening roar of 15,000 cheering members and fans at each and every game.
We will measure our success by the outward display of support from our fans. The true Western Australian fan brings unparalleled spirit and is the 16th player on game day. We must turn HBF Park into a fortress where our competitors fear to play.
COVID-19 restrictions barred our community engagement plans this season. Next year, we will be actively engaging with local schools and clubs. Our goal is to provide the rugby community of WA with a connection to our players and the club. For the love of rugby and the future of the Force, it is critical that we grow support for our beloved game.
Our commitment to growing the game is demonstrated by the UWA Western Force Cup competition launch on 27 July. In partnership with RugbyWA and program sponsors UWA, 18 primary and high schools will participate in a weekly competition culminating in the Grand Final in September.
The 2023 season will be crucial for the team and the club. We are currently working on a new and exciting membership offering and a match day experience that beats watching the game on TV. We cannot wait to share more details soon, so watch this space!
Plenty of big news will come in the next few weeks, including significant player signings and the acknowledgement of our men’s and women’s teams at our annual Awards Night, so keep tuned in.
The Awards Night is a historic occasion for the club, with the inaugural Rebecca Clough Medal, Nicola Forrest Force Woman award, Debby Hodgkinson Rising Star, and Members Super W MVP all being awarded to recognise our Super W squad.
We are entering a bright new era for the Force and the game of rugby in this state. We hope you will continue to join us and share the experience with your family and friends in 2023.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Lewis
