Western Force rise for pre-season Japan tour

Mon, Sep 12, 2022, 3:02 AM
WM
by Western Force Media

The Western Force are pleased to announce a 32-man squad will depart for a two-match series between Japan Rugby League One side Urayasu D-Rocks

With a focus on building team cohesion this tour will allow players much needed game time ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific Season.

General manager of rugby Matt Hodgson believes this opportunity will progress the team’s development, strengthening the unit on and off the field.

“We are looking at this tour on two levels. Firstly, to allow the team game time during the preseason with expectation to increase match fitness and skill, and secondly, to build team cohesion and combination not only in the playing group but also the coaching staff,” Hodgson said. 

“This is a great opportunity for new players to combine with the current crop and form connections. By travelling together, you get to know your teammates away from rugby, assisting considerably in forming a coherent playing group.”

With the Japan league widely known to be fast and endurance driven, the ideal timing of the tour provides recently contracted and present Force players the opportunity to showcase their abilities to the newly formed coaching panel. “During this tour the squad can both come together as one unit and showcase their individual capabilities, providing the coaches leverage to structure the upcoming season,” Hodgson claimed.

Urayasu D-Rocks General Manger Hirofumi Uchiyama states he is excited to host the Force in preparation for their fast-approaching 2023 season.

“We are pleased to announce that following the signing of a partnership agreement with the Western Force. We will be hosting a Friendship Match in November,” Uchiyama stated.

“This is the first practice match after the new team was established, and many young and experienced players are given opportunities to play. I believe this helps to build awareness for future cross-border tournaments and to promote the team to division one.”

“During the teams stay in Urayasu city, we will be training together and Urayasu Park will be open to the public. This allows the players and staff time to interact with fans and the local community, enhancing hospitality at our home ground.”

The Force are committed to continue the relationship with Urayasu D-Rocksand progress the game in both Perth and Chiba beyond November.

“We look at building on this relationship and to expand the number of games. We hope to form a long-term relationship which would include further matches in Perth, Hodgson stated.”

“This tour will allow both clubs to connect and share information at many levels from the high performance area to commercial workings. By sharing information and learned experiences, we will continue to grow and develop.”

Broadcasted online the Urayasu D-Rocks will host the Force at Urayasu Park on Sunday the 6th and Saturday the 12th of November this year.

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