Faulkner stays a Force in Australia

 

The talented 26-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2014 campaign where he made his Test debut against Wales in Cardiff, before earning a second international cap during Australia’s November Tour match against Ireland in Dublin.

 

His success came on the back of a record-setting Super Rugby campaign for the Western Force, who won a franchise high nine games, with his unique ability to play on both sides of the scrum as either a loosehead or tighthead prop proving invaluable at a Test and provincial level.

 

After experiencing Test Rugby for the first time in 2014, Faulkner said he was excited about his future ahead with Australian Rugby.

 

“I was shocked to be picked for my initial squad in Brisbane but it was very exciting," said Faulkner

 

“To be able to go over and play my first Test in the UK was very special. Being able to pull on the jersey, sing the anthem and play my first Test in front of 60,000 to 70,000 Welsh supporters was just amazing.

 

“I learnt a lot from that first experience and touring. It gave me a good understanding of how consistently I need to be performing to be a part of that team.

 

“Having played at that level, I definitely want more of it. Through my performances with the Force, I definitely want to impress, but I also want to be able to help my teammates around me to reach higher honours as well.”

 

Faulkner has followed a traditional Rugby pathway on his way to elite-level success and was a former Australian representative at a Schoolboy, Under-19 and Under-20 level.

 

He made his Super Rugby debut with the Western Force in 2011, after earlier enjoying stints with the Brumbies NSW Waratahs Academies.