Force complete rugby playing squad - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Force complete rugby playing squad

20/09/2011 04:39:19 PM Comments (0)

The Western Force have finalised their 30-man squad for the 2012 Super Rugby season, with Manly Marlins utility back Ben Seymour the last player to be signed.

Seymour has been a strong performer in the NSW first grade competition for the past three seasons and was also part of the Waratahs academy program this year.

Primarily a five-eighth, Seymour proved his versatility by shifting to fullback after the arrival of Force five-eighth Willie Ripia at Manly following the Super Rugby season.

The combination worked well for the Marlins, who reached the preliminary finals of the Shute Shield competition.

"I've enjoyed having the chance to play in different positions this season and adding other elements to my game," Seymour said.

"Training and playing with Willie, who has some excellent experience in Super Rugby, has been great and I'm sure that will help in my quick transition into the Western Force squad."

Last year Patrick Dellit was plucked from the Shute Shield competition to great success, winning the Force rising star award after notching 12 Super caps.

Force coach Richard Graham hoped Seymour could achieve similar success.

"To create competition we've added depth across the squad and I think that is evident in the backs we've already announced,"Graham said.

"In Ben's case he'll challenge Willie and James Stannard to be at their best playing at 10."

Seymour joins former NRL players Will Tupou and Jordan Rapana, Fijian marquee Napolioni Nalaga and former Blues rising star Winston Stanley as new faces in the Force backline.

The Force managed just five wins and two draws from 16 games last season, but hope a good run of luck with injury will help them challenge for a finals berth in 2012.

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