Force lure Tahs lock to Perth

TRANSFER NEWS: The Western Force revealed the signing of up-and-coming lock Jeremy Williams for the 2023-24 seasons.

Standing at 195cm tall, 21-year-old Williams has made 17 Super Rugby appearances for the Waratahs since debuting against the Reds in 2021.

The promising young lock has represented Australia in the Junior Wallabies (2019), Australian Schools and Australia Under-18 (2018).

Williams said the opportunity to move west will help him grow as a player and a person.

“I think this is going to be a really good move,” Williams said.

“I’ve been in Sydney all my life so it’s going to be a new experience to meet all the boys and get stuck in. I’m really looking forward to it.

“I saw a good opportunity here to develop my game and take it to the next level.

“The Force is a good place to do that, and it is a good time for me to get out of my comfort zone and take on a new challenge.

“To play for the Wallabies is the goal for most people playing Super Rugby, but at the moment I am focused on getting better as a person and a player and developing my game.

“I’m also looking forward to working with [Simon] Cron again. I’ve had a bit of experience with him before and I think working with him will be awesome.”

General Manager of Rugby Matt Hodgson said developing aspiring young talent is a real positive for the club and believes Williams has the potential to create a big future at the Force.

“Jeremy is a talented young player who is hungry for the opportunity to play more consistently at the Super Rugby level, which makes him a very exciting signing for us. We know he is a hard worker which is a trait we are always looking for,” Hodgson said.

“His ability to swing between the second row and the back row makes him a versatile addition to the team.

“It will be great to see him pair up with the likes of Izack Rodda and Kane Koteka and see how he develops and learns from them.”