The Western Force would like to extend their utmost gratitude to all departing players for their commitment, passion, and hard work during their time with the club.
Brynard Stander, who has enjoyed nine seasons with the club, bids farewell after playing a significant role within the Force since making his debut in 2014.
With 89 caps to his name, including appearances in Super Rugby (74), World Series Rugby (7), Global Rapid Rugby (8), and the National Rugby Championships, Stander has forged a reputation as a powerful player with determination and heart.
Having made his debut for the club back in 2012 and playing 81 times for the Force over eight seasons, capped Wallaby and WA product Kyle Godwin has joined French Top 14 side Lyon. Godwin began his rugby journey with local side Associates and has gone on to enjoy a fantastic Super Rugby career, with the centre making his 100th Super Rugby appearance this season.
2020 Nathan Sharpe Medal winner Fergus Lee-Warner has joined English Premiership side Worcester Warriors after five seasons and 49 appearances for the Force. Lee-Warner brings an end to his journey with the Force having played an important role in the club’s resurgence since 2018.
Hooker Andrew Ready is moving on from the Force after earning 39 caps over four seasons in Western Australia. The front rower made his debut in 2019 against the World XV at HBF Park and made his 50th Super Rugby appearance during the 2022 season.
Homegrown winger Brad Lacey is moving onto a new chapter after five seasons with his hometown club, which he grew up supporting. Brad lived out his professional rugby dreams playing 27 times for the Force, with his pace and skill on the wing providing many exciting memories for the Sea of Blue. Brad was part of the wider training squad in 2013 and 2014 before joining the senior side in 2015 and making his debut in 2018.
Argentinian international Santiago Medrano has joined Lee-Warner in making the move to Worcester Warriors. The prop joined the Force in 2021 and has been a skilful and hard-working member of the front with 28 caps for the club.
Winger Byron Ralston has signed with Irish side Connacht, who play in the United Rugby Championship. Ralston scored the Force’s first try back in Super Rugby competition in 2020 at the SCG against the Waratahs and played 24 times for the club after joining that same year.
Jack McGregor will also depart the club after five years and 22 games for the Force. McGregor, along with Stander, Lee-Warner, Lacey, and Ralston, played a part in the club’s maiden National Rugby Championship title win in 2019.
Fly-half Jake McIntyre is returning to France with Top 14 side Perpignan. The Australian back joined the Force in 2021 and went on to earn 22 caps with the club.
Western Australian scrum-half Michael McDonald will be starting a new chapter. The Palmyra player made his Force debut in 2019 and made six Super Rugby appearances for the club.
Each of the players listed below has been, and always will be, a part of the Force family and history. Everybody at the Western Force would like to thank them and wish them every success for the future.
#117 Brynard Stander – 89 Western Force caps
#93 Kyle Godwin – 81 Western Force caps
#161 Fergus Lee-Warner – 49 Western Force caps
#184 Andrew Ready – 39 Western Force caps
#165 Brad Lacey – 27 Western Force caps
#202 Santiago Medrano – 28 Western Force caps
#192 Byron Ralston – 24 Western Force caps
#183 Jack McGregor – 22 Western Force caps
#210 Jake McIntyre – 22 Western Force caps
#187 Michael McDonald – 6 Western Force caps
