Former Stormer commits to Force
NEWS: The Western Force has further strengthened its forward pack for 2021 with Chris Heiberg and Andrew Ready signing contract extensions with the club.
Ready has signed a two-year deal, while veteran Heiberg has put pen to paper on a one-year contract.
A highly respected player around the club, Heiberg’s experience has been invaluable throughout his time in Perth, earning 46 caps since his Force debut against the Queensland Reds in 2015.
The prop first joined the Force from the Stormers back in 2014 and has since built a reputation as a fierce defensive competitor. Following the 2016 Super Rugby season, the front row moved back to his native South Africa, where he played for the Southern Kings during their 2017 campaign before moving back to Perth in 2018.
The Cape Town-born player is thrilled to continue his time with the Force.
“WA is very much my home. I have been here for quite some time and have really grown to love it here and made some incredible friends and memories in this state,” Heiberg explained.
“Being with the Force over the years has been such a unique journey, but one that I have been able to share with some of my best friends, which makes it so special. We are such a close group and through everything we have become closer.
“I’m so grateful to Sambo (head coach Tim Sampson) and Hodgo (head of rugby Matt Hodgson) for showing faith in me and keeping me here for another year. I can’t wait to continue playing in front of our passionate fans. Our supporters are really something special and it’s so good to know we have their support.”
Having made a powerful impact on the scoreboard for the Force in Super Rugby AU this year, scoring four tries, a new deal is a just reward for Ready.
The 27-year-old never shies away from a contest, with his physicality and set-piece expertise proving an important part of the club’s front row setup.
The hooker is delighted to remain in Perth and is determined to build on what was an exciting season for the Brisbane-born forward.
“This year was massive for us being back in Super Rugby and for me personally getting another taste of it,” Ready said.
“I’m really excited about the experience the club is bringing in from around the world into the squad. To be able to learn from those players is going to be awesome. Having Julian Montoya come to the club is also exciting for me, I want to be able to push myself to higher honours within Australian rugby, so hopefully, we can push each other to improve our games.
“It means a lot to see us building something special. There’s a lot of care here within the Force culture. We are a family, everyone’s respected no matter what your experience.”
