The Western Force will head to Success next weekend for their final Super W pre-season trial game at Southern Lions Rugby Union Football Club (RUFC) against Queensland Country, headlining a festival day at the club.
Southern Lions will host a day-long 10’s tournament from 8am on Saturday 9 March across 11 different male and female divisions, with age groups from Under-15 Girls, Under-17 Boys to Open Mens and Womens and All Abilities too.
It’s the latest initiative from the Lions who won the 2023 WA Junior Club of the Year and have been home to Force women’s players like Sera Ravutudei. It is also the 12th version of the annual Southern Lions RUFC pre-season competition.
The All-Abilities game will precede the Force-Queensland Country kick-off. Southern Lions is the bedrock of All-Abilities rugby in the southern hemisphere, led by Mike Penhaligon, Justin Arthur and their brilliant team.
The Force-Queensland clash will headline the day’s festivities at Success Regional Facility on Hammond Road, with kick-off at 4pm.
The Force’s 2024 Super W season starts on Friday 15 March against the Melbourne Rebels as part of a double-header at HBF Park, with the game in Success their final tune-up.
The 2024 Super W season looms as one of excitement for the Force women, following an off-season recruitment drive landing NZ trio Pia Tapsell, Harono Te Iringa and Sheree Hume, plus Japan internationals Natsuki Kashiwagi and Hinata Komaki and Canadian hooker Sara Cline.
Talented Reds fly-half Renae Nona has switched clubs, along with 2021 Super W Player of the Year Lucy Dinnen, with the team to be led by Wallaroos duo Trilleen Pomare and Michaela Leonard.
Force Female High Performance Manager Claudia Bell said: “The Western Force are excited to play our final women’s pre-season trial game at Southern Lions Rugby Club and headline the Club’s 10’s Tournament.
“The Force are always eager to connect with community rugby and this is a fantastic opportunity to play alongside the emerging and grass roots rugby talent of the region, both male and female.
“We’re excited to put on a show for all the participants and supporters who stick around to enjoy our final pre-season trial game ahead of our Super W campaign, against Queensland Country who’ll bring a strong side.”
Southern Lions president Ronan O'Shea said: "Southern Lions is very excited to host the Western Force Super W trial match against Queensland Country.
"We’re hugely looking forward to seeing Southern Lionesses player Haylee Hifo playing at her new home ground for the first time.
"The Super W program is growing fast and will be here for many years to come. The Western Force is massively important for rugby in WA. The Force men’s and women’s programs are the pathway for our Juniors as they develop into hopefully professional players.
"Our club coaches do an amazing job preparing our players for regional, state and Force honours and they deserve a big thank you from all our Members."
The Force won 38-10 against the Melbourne Rebels in their second pre-season trial game in Melbourne on Saturday, having lost 24-14 to Japanese champions Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix in their first trial game on Friday 23 February.
Western Force v Queensland Country
Success Regional Facility, Southern Lions
Kick-off 4pm WST
Preceded by 10’s Tournament from 8am
Follow @WesternForce on Twitter for updates.
