The Western Force is delighted to announce the appointment of two independent board members, Dane Haylett-Petty and Niamh O'Connor.
Haylett-Petty's 38-Test career started at the Force, making his professional debut at 19 years old. Widely known as a gentleman of the game, he scored 12 tries for Australia over five years.
Passionate about rugby's growth in WA in recent years, the 34-year-old has been heavily involved in community rugby and the Future Force Foundation.
"I am passionate about seeing rugby thrive in WA. I want to see more young West Australians pull on the Force, and gold jerseys, like I was privileged enough to do," Haylett-Petty said.
"I understand each stage of the player's journey, having come through the pathways in WA, representing the Force and Wallabies, and then transitioning out of the game, so I have a unique perspective. I have also played for teams worldwide, in Europe, Japan and Australia, so I have seen some great examples of what works in team environments.
"Since retiring, I have been growing my businesses, starting a family, and recently getting back involved with rugby with the Future Force Foundation and now the Western Force.
"It's great to see the Force back where they belong in Super Rugby. We have high hopes and want to be the very best, and much work is needed to achieve that."
Director of the Future Force Foundation and Rugby Western Australia (WA) Board Member O'Connor has vast corporate experience delivery highly complex projects.
With her 10-year community rugby involvement, O'Connor has already become a valued board member, further linking the Western Force and Rugby WA organisations.
O'Connor said: "I have been involved in community rugby since I arrived in Perth in 2011, joining the Rugby WA Board of Directors in September 2021 with a focus on junior participation and growing the game in Western Australia.
"Rugby in WA has seen many positive shifts over the last two years. Our junior and women’s competitions have both been very successful in recent years. Community rugby in Western Australia has achieved sustainable growth.
"I am excited about unlocking the Force's potential and ensuring that whatever we do as custodians of the game will exponentially grow the rugby ecosystem in Western Australia."
