The Western Force is thrilled to officially announce Matt Hodgson as the 2023 Super W Head Coach and the 30-woman squad for the upcoming season.
Hodgson is integral in transitioning the Western Force women's program into the new era of elite professionalism. He brings a wealth of leadership experience, helping further to link our men's and women's programs.
An 11-cap Wallaby, Hodgson is the kind of inspirational leader every club needs. Now transitioning into a head coaching role, this is another chapter he aims to prosper.
Hodgson is the current General Manager of Rugby and is widely known as the inspirational Force skipper, affiliated with the Force for 16 years. Having made his debut in the club's inaugural match against the Brumbies in 2006 and playing 140 games, he brings a wealth of knowledge and respect from the Perth rugby community.
Female High Performance Manager, Claudia Bell is elated with Hodgson's appointment and impressed with how he has initiated a level of professionalism that has filtered throughout the squad.
"Hodgo [Matt Hodgson] has brought a lot of energy and positivity to the group. He has united the group and grown the culture from the get-go. The girls greatly respect Hodgo; I see it in their commitment to training and their changes to better themselves and the team," Claudia attested.
"He is very much a conversationalist. He makes an effort to form bonds with the players, and with that respect follows. When he speaks at training, 100% of the squad is all ears; this is vital in any rugby team."
"As General Manager, he has brought a lot of connections back to the club, the girls now understand what they stand for and the values they must uphold."
The squad sees the return of Wallaroo Trilleen Pomare and Bec Clough medallist Tamika Jones. New recruits include international prospects Rachel Laqeretabua, Katie Barnes and Martha Mataele.
The squad signifies a healthy blend of youth and experienced players, with Hodgson affirming, "pairing the right combinations together was vital in the selection process a mix of returning local WA talent, national and international recruits supports a competitive culture.
"Rachel Laqeretabua relocating to WA from Saracens and the England program illustrates that what is emerging here in WA is being recognised and acknowledged internationally."
"Being eight weeks into the program, it was definitely tough breaking the group down. We had over 50 players at some training sessions, which is exciting for the female game in WA. I have seen significant growth in the squad in all areas, from gym, nutrition, and rugby knowledge to overall skills. As we go into more team play, it is time to go out there and perform.
“With the continued intent to grow female rugby in WA, this squad aims to set a standard for all aspirational athletes in the state.”
"It’s an exciting time in the female space for the Western Force both on and off the field. Seeing the talent and the excitement in the girls it was a delight to put my hand forward for the role into the Super W campaign.”
With the first Super W preseason match fast approaching on 25 Feb at HBF Park, Bell admits the atmosphere at Force HQ is building.
"There is a bit of a buzz around HQ at the moment with men's teams. We can all feel that the Force is turning into a powerhouse. The two teams feel very united, which comes down to Hodgo's ongoing instilment of being one club,” Bell recognised.
Forwards
- Braxton Walker
- Angelica Uila
- Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke
- Mercedes Putz
- Penina Tuilaepa
- Sera Ah-Sam
- Sofia Bekir Fuente
- Ashlee Knight
- Elizabeth Kennedy
- Libya Teepa
- Destiny Maui
- Katie Barnes
- Keira McAskill
- Sera Ravatudei
- Taj Heald
- Tamika Jones
Backs
- Kendra Fell
- Saelua Leaula
- Samantha Wood
- Ariana Hira-Herangi
- Bo Burton
- Langley Sesega
- Nicole Ledington
- Trilleen Pomare
- Zakiya Kereopa
- Aiysha Wigley
- Ariana Ruru-Hinaki
- Martha Mataele
- Paihau Pomare
- Rachel Laqeretabua
