Lance heads west for 2016
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Out of favour Waratahs' utility back Jono Lance will join the Western Force for 2016, after signing with the franchise for two seasons.
Lance, who can play flyhalf, centre and fullback, hasn't been featuring at the 'Tahs playing behind Wallabies such as Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folouu and Adam Ashley-Cooper, and is ready to play a starting role in Super Rugby.
He was a starting member of the Queensland Reds’ 2011 Super Rugby championship-winning team, before joining the Waratahs ahead of the 2014 season.
The 24-year-old son of former Canberra Raiders rugby league captain, Dean Lance, has represented the Australian Under-20 (2010) and Sevens squads (2010/2011).
Lance says he’s excited to have the opportunity to represent the Force from next season.
"I’ve played with a lot of players at the Force previously – guys like Luke Morahan, Ian Prior, Heath Tessmann and Dane Haylett-Petty – at school or grade rugby," he said.
"Speaking to them, they all say how much they love living in Perth and how much they’re enjoying their footy [rugby] at the Force, and it’s something that you cant help but want to be a part of.
"Luke Morahan’s one of my best mates and he says how much he enjoys living over there, and how much he loves being a part of the squad at the Force – it’s a great group of guys that get along really well, and it’s important to have that in a rugby team.
"The team obviously had a very impressive season last year in recording nine wins – the best season in the Force’s history.
"This year, it’s easy to get caught up in wins and losses, but for me personally, it’s been important to see how the guys are playing for each other and really pushing in every game.
"It’s important how they continue to stick together and I’m keen to be a part of that moving forward.
"Over the past few seasons I’ve sat in the wings behind a number of Wallaby flyhalves, Wallaby centres and Wallaby fullbacks.
"I’ve grown and learned a lot from them over the last few years but now I’m really to keen make a position my own, and I’d want to be able to use what I’ve learned to contribute to the team moving forward."
Head coach Michael Foley says Lance will add another quality option in the Western Force backline.
"Jono’s [Lance] a tough competitor who will provide additional versatility and depth across our backline," he said.
"With an ability to play No.10, No.12 and No.15, Jono is also a strong goal-kicker and is hungry for an opportunity to play regularly in Super Rugby."
The Force return from their bye this week to face the Highlanders at nib Stadium on Saturday, May 23.
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