Haylett-Petty back in Perth
The Western Force have brought home another Perth local, with Dane Haylett-Petty signing for the 2014 Super Rugby season.
The Durban-born, Western Australia-raised outside back's signature follows the return of Perth-born flyhalf/fullback Zack Holmes for next season.
Head coach Michael Foley said bringing local talent like Holmes and Haylett-Petty back to Perth had been a focus for the organisation.
"We are determined to bring home quality Western Australian talent to represent the Force and we're very pleased to have secured both Zack and Dane," he said.
"Dane's had a number of good seasons with Biarritz and demonstrated last night against the British and Irish Lions, he has a desire to work off his wing and will have a lot to offer us next season."
The 23-year-old played three seasons for the Western Force between 2008 and 2010, making his Super Rugby debut against the Chiefs five seasons ago.
Haylett-Petty was a member of the Australian Sevens side during the 2008/2009 Sevens World Series and featured prominently for the Australian Under-20 side in their IRB Junior World Championship in 2008 and 2009, including starting at fullback in their 2009 semifinal loss to South Africa.
The Hale School graduate returned to Force colours when he started on the right wing in the Western Australian's clash against the British and Irish Lions at Patersons Stadium.
Haylett-Petty says he is keen about returning to the Western Force on a more permanent basis.
"I'm really excited to be coming back to the Force," he said. "It was always the plan to come back to Australia and play Super Rugby, and my preference was to come back to the Force because it's home to me.
"Having been a part of the squad for the last week in the lead into the Lions match, you can see there's a great feeling there. The whole feel and atmosphere of the team has changed a great deal and I'm really excited about coming back.
"It was a great experience going overseas and I feel like I learnt a lot. You play 36 games a season against some of the best players and teams in Europe week in, week out which gave me some valuable experience, but I'm ready to come back and give Super Rugby a crack."
