The Western Force has bolstered its back row signing former Melbourne Rebels captain Michael Wells on a two-year deal commencing in 2023.
Having played close to 90 Super Rugby matches for the Brumbies, Waratahs and the Rebels, Wells brings invaluable experience and tenacity to the squad.
Wells represented Australia in the Aussie 7s for 26 matches before making his Super Rugby debut in 2016 with the Brumbies.
Winning the Waratahs Best and Fairest award in 2018, Wells then headed south to Melbourne for the next four seasons where he co-captained in 2021 before accepting full captaincy in 2022. Following a strong Super Rugby campaign, Wells earned his maiden call up to the Wallabies squad in 2021.
Standing at 190cm, the powerful forward said the opportunity to work with newly appointed Force coach Simon Cron was a major incentive to join the Force.
“I’m particularity looking forward to linking back up with Simon Cron who I have spent a bit of time with at Norths and the Waratahs,” Wells explained.
“I’ve kept in contact with Cron, so when he told me he was talking to the Force, my ears pricked up a bit.
“He is the best coach I have had. He is someone who has helped me develop a lot in rugby and constantly gets the best out of me. As a player, to be able to be coached by him again is a big attraction.
“In terms of rugby, what we have seen since the Force re-joined Super Rugby was the passion that is in Perth, for the Force and rugby in general.”
General manager of rugby Matt Hodgson is looking forward to seeing the 29-year-old thrive at the Force.
“Wells is a natural leader both on and off the field, which has been evident throughout his career,” Hodgson said.
“He is a strong player who will add almost 100 Super Rugby games of experience to our squad when he joins us at the end of the year. His reputation as a hard worker and quality character makes him exactly the kind of player we need at the Force.
“His tenacity and abrasive ball-running skills will fit perfectly with how we are looking to build the team.”
