Super Rugby side the Western Force have signed Blues rising star Winston Stanley to a two-year deal.

The 22-year-old nephew of former All Black 'Smokin' Joe Stanley was a member of NZ's victorious junior World Cup sides in 2007 and 2009, when he earned a nomination for the IRB junior player of the year award.

Stanley made his Super Rugby debut in the Blues' backline in 2009 playing alongside older brother and All Black Benson Stanley.

"I had been well looked after in Auckland and also playing in the same side as my brother was really great," he said.

"However, I considered what I wanted to get out of my rugby and a fresh start at a club with a strong reputation for their professional program was really appealing.

"I just wanted to get a new perspective on my rugby and have some life experience by moving to a new place away from home."

Stanley has strong links to Australia, having been born in Brisbane and spending his first 11 years in the country before moving to Auckland with his family.

"Winston is light on his feet which enables him to win contact and offload and will add something to our attacking game," Force coach Richard Graham said.

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