Rising star re-signs with Force after Super Rugby Pacific breakthrough

Australia Under-20s international Boston Fakafanua has re-signed with the Western Force for another two seasons, as the utility back looks to build on a maiden appearance in Super Rugby Pacific last month.

Fakafanua debuted at Super Rugby level against the Fijian Drua on May 23, playing eight minutes off the bench after replacing Wallaby Hamish Stewart. The Force held on for a nail-biting 19-15 win, with former NRL star Zac Lomax crossing for a late try at Perth’s HBF Park.

The New Zealand-born talent has previously represented the age-grade Australian side at the 2024 and 2025 World Rugby Junior World Championships before breaking into the Western Force side during the inaugural Super Rugby AUS campaign last year.

Fakafanua made three appearances for the Force during that competition, with the club reaching the Grand Final against the NSW Waratahs. The Force hosted the decider in Wanneroo but were beaten 33-26 in a thriller.

This re-signing announcement marks another milestone moment in Fakafanua’s rugby career out west, having come through the ranks in the Force Academy and captaining the club during Super Rugby Men’s U19s.

“Obviously Boston has been with us now for a number of years,” coach Cron said.

“He’s an exciting, driven player. He is powerful and fast. He’s a pleasure to coach.

“He got his debut this year for us at the Western Force. We see him as a long-term player in our environment, so we’re thrilled he has re-committed with us.”

Fakafanua added: “I’m stoked to re-sign. I can see the club is going in an awesome direction and really want to be here for that.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my first Super Rugby season and was able to really develop my game playing alongside guys like Kurtley Beale and Hamish Stewart. I do feel like I’ve been able to grow a lot in a short period of time.

“Now, I’ve had a taste of Super Rugby, I’m hoping to kick on and become a mainstay in the side next season and beyond.”

Fakafanua is the latest to pen a new deal with the Force, joining Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch in the list of players retained by the club. Mac Grealy, Henry Robertson, Sef Fa’agase and Leonel Oviedo have all re-committed, following a strong end to the 2026 season.

The Force may have missed out on finals football but finished the campaign with three wins from as many matches, and four wins from their last five. That included two victories against the NSW Waratahs and a 19-14 win that secured a season sweep against the Queensland Reds.