Western Force vice-captain Michael Wells has decided to call time on his Super Rugby career, having stepped out for the 111th and final time in Saturday’s clash with the ACT Brumbies.
Wells, 31, informed his teammates of the decision during the week and was celebrated by the Club following the final siren at Saturday’s game at HBF Park with fans present to farewell the 2023 Club captain.
The back-rower played for the Australian Sevens (2014-2015, 2018-2019) and had Super Rugby stints with the ACT Brumbies (2016), NSW Waratahs (2017-2019), Melbourne Rebels (2020-2022) and Force (2023-2024) after emerging out of NSW Shute Shield club Northern Suburbs.
Wells has opted to finish up at the professional level and move into the legal world having completed his studies in 2022. Wells and his young family; wife Amelia and 10-month-old son Noah, will move to his hometown Sydney.
“Tonight marked the last time I stepped on the field as a professional rugby player,” Wells said. “What was a childhood dream has culminated in over 111 Super Rugby Games and seven HSBC Sevens Series tournaments over a 10-year career.
“What was a childhood dream became a singular focus and ambition. I would be lying to say that the setbacks and tribulations along the journey didn’t sow resentment and discontent as the experience of professional sport wasn’t living up to the expectation of a younger me.
“I am incredibly proud of my perseverance and resoluteness to keep working, training and subjecting myself to the aches and pains in order to get everything I could out of my career. I hope, in time, my son can see this as an example for how I would like him to grow up and the characteristics I hope he attains.
“Thank you to the teammates, coaches, trainers and medical staff that have been part of my journey. I have gained lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish.
“Thank you to the fans who have made this experience special, I know there are plenty who will have seen me as an unremarkable player but to those who have cheered and celebrated with me, you are the ones that make the game great.
“Thank you to my manager Andrew Fairbairn who has gone above and beyond the typical player manager role and become a friend. You’ve counselled me on career decisions and advocated for me in contract discussion, I appreciate all the work you’ve done.
“I’m appreciative of my family who have been along for the ride, living vicariously through my career, celebrating the highs and suffering the lows just as much, if not more than myself. Particularly my parents who nourished the childhood ambition, suffered the early mornings and travelled the world to see the vast majority of my games.
“Most importantly I want to acknowledge my wife, Amelia, you have been by my side for it all from the pursuit of professionalism, its realisation and now the finale. You see the pain of defeat and injury first hand, you have supported me unwaveringly and loved me unconditionally.
“I am so grateful to have you with me and now that this chapter of our lives is finishing I’m excited to write the rest of our story together as a family. I love you more than I can express.
“I am not apprehensive or in fear of the next steps of my life, rugby has given me the life skills to persevere through what may seem insurmountable odds. I am genuinely excited for my transition and am eager to step out of the professional rugby bubble.”
Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman hailed Wells for his contribution to the Club over the past two seasons, reiterating that he’d left the Club in a better place.
“Michael has been a fantastic contributor to the Force, which is recognized by his place within our leadership group over the past two seasons,” Goodman said.
“He has always put everything into the Club and tried to get everything out of himself physically. We’ve been fortunate to have him within the four walls of the Club and he’s left the Club in a better place.
“Given his knowledge of the game and his profession as a lawyer, I’m sure we will look to utilize his skillset to keep him involved in the game.
“On behalf of the Force, we wish Michael, Amelia and Noah all the very best for their move to Sydney and we wish Michael every success professionally in his move into the legal world.”
