The Western Force has locked in their scrum-half options for the upcoming 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season with Ian Prior re-signing and Henry Robertson joining the club.
Prior has signed a new two-year deal with the Force after making a historic 100th appearance for the club in the memorable Round 15 win against the Hurricanes at HBF Park during the 2022 regular-season finale.
The experienced playmaker, who also reached 100 Super Rugby caps in 2021, captained the Force for four seasons between 2018 to 2021 and has been an important figure on and off the pitch since joining in 2014.
As one of only three Force players to play 100 matches for the club, Prior’s leadership and skill will continue to prove crucial as he enters his tenth campaign in Western Australia.
Prior is determined to help the Force perform and maintain the strong family culture in 2023 and 2024.
“I’m extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to represent the blue jersey for another two seasons,” Prior said.
“I feel like I played some of my best rugby this year and still have the hunger to keep getting better.
“I’ll be looking to use my experience to make sure everyone knows what we’re representing, and what the jersey means to former players, the staff, our partners, and our supporters.”
“It’s an exciting new chapter for the club with the regeneration of the squad and coaching staff. I’m looking forward to building on the legacy that those before us have built to ensure we’re making them proud with our own contributions.”
Robertson joins the Force on a one-year contract from the NSW Waratahs, where he made seven Super Rugby appearances, including two matches against the Force.
The 22-year-old, who debuted in Round 2 last year against the ACT Brumbies, is currently enjoying an impressive Shute Shield campaign with Sydney University, with the side sitting in second place.
The former Junior Wallaby said he can’t wait to link up with some familiar faces in the Force squad ahead of the upcoming season.
“I'm happy to be given the opportunity to get into a new environment to meet and work with new people,” Robertson explained.
“I've worked with Tom Robertson, Ryan McCauley, and George Poolman before, who I've spoken with about the club. I'm really looking forward to joining a hard-working group.
“I want to be playing consistent rugby at the Super Rugby level. I'm aiming to take any opportunity to develop my game and play senior rugby as much as possible.”
General manager of rugby Matt Hodgson is delighted to have secured the duo.
“We have a great mix of youth and experience in our scrum-half stocks ahead of the 2023 season, with Issak (Fines-Leleiwasa), Ian (Prior), and Henry (Robertson),” Hodgson said.
“Ian’s game management and leadership qualities have proven invaluable over the years, so to have him signed on for a further two seasons is further positive news for the club. “Henry brings with him a great understanding of the game and has the ability to play both instinctively and to control the game. He is a great addition to our team and creates great competition amongst our scrum-halves.”
Player Stats:
Ian Prior Birthday: 21/08/1990 Super Rugby Caps: 114 Western Force Caps: 100 Debut: March 1, 2014 v Brumbies
Henry Robertson Birthday: 22/10/1999 Super Rugby Caps: 7 Western Force Caps: 0
