Force captain re-signs after breakout year for Wallabies

NEWS: Rugby Australia and the Western Force have announced the re-signing of Wallabies lock Jeremy Williams for another two years.

The 198cm lock had a breakout year in 2024. He made his international debut in the Wallabies’ first match of the season against Wales and went on to feature in 10 out of the 13 Tests – remarkably starting on seven occasions.

A Wahroonga Tigers junior, Williams made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the NSW Waratahs in 2021 before joining the Western Force at the end of the 2022 season.

It was in Perth where the now 24-year-old enjoyed significant growth both on and off the field, named captain of the squad ahead of the 2024 season.

A hard-working, no-nonsense second rower, Williams has a strong set-piece and showed his athleticism when he tip-toed down the sideline to score during the Wallabies’ memorable win over England in London last November.

Wallaby number 973, Williams’ re-commitment to Australian Rugby comes on the dawn of major events on home soil with this year’s British & Irish Lions Series and a World Cup in 2027.

“I’m really pleased to be able to re-commit my future to the Western Force and Australian Rugby.”

“Since moving to Perth I certainly feel I’ve developed as a player and a person and there’s several people here at the Western Force to thank for that.

“I know I have a lot more growth in me and I’ll be working hard to ensure I give myself the best opportunity to be part of what’s an extremely exciting and rare period coming up here in Australian Rugby,” Williams said.

Rugby Australia Director of High-Performance, Peter Horne said: “Jeremy’s re-commitment is a positive for supporters of the Western Force and Australian Rugby.”

“He’s a great young player at the start of his international career and a strong ambassador for our game off the field. We’re looking forward to watching him continue to grow and work hard in the Australian system.”

Western Force head coach Simon Cron said: “It’s awesome that Jeremy has chosen Perth as his home and the Western Force as his Super Rugby team.”

“He is an amazing leader, a great human, and a massive part of our environment. The coaching staff, managemen,t and players love him being here, so we’re thrilled to have him re-sign and continue to bring his enthusiasm and drive to the program.

“It’s been exciting to watch his progression and to see him wearing the gold jersey. Our job now is to help him to continue his journey and be the best he can be.

“We’re definitely looking forward to him leading our team again.”