Sef Fa’agase re-signs with Western Force ahead of 100th Super Rugby cap

Milestone man Sef Fa’agase has another reason to celebrate ahead of his 100^th Super Rugby cap, with the Western Force announcing on Thursday the versatile front-rower has penned a new deal for the 2027 season.

Fa’agase will come off the bench in a must-win Australian derby at Perth’s HBF Park, with the Queensland Reds heading west in round 14. This is the first of three straight home matches to round out the regular season for the Force.

It’ll be a special occasion for a few players, with Mac Grealy bringing up 50 appearances in Super Rugby after being named at fullback. Force backrower Carlo Tizzano will reach a half-century of matches for the club, starting at openside flanker.

Fa’agase raises the bat after successful stints with the Reds and Force, having played 83 Super Rugby matches for Queensland. The Auckland-born prop spent time with the Highlanders and Melbourne Rebels as well, and has spent time abroad.

The 35-year-old has represented Otago in New Zealand’s NPC and spent time in North America’s Major League Rugby with the New England Free Jacks. That experience has been invaluable for the Force, with Fa’agase heading west ahead of the current campaign.

“Sef fits into the current group. He’s a great example of the type of person we love at the Force. He’s talented, driven, plays both sides of the scum, he’s got experience but is still in his prime,” coach Simon Cron said.

“He’s got connection with a lot of the players here and as a result that helps us with our cohesion.

“He’s a pleasure to work with every day. He’s a competitor, both on and off the field. It’s great to have him in the squad.”

Fa’agase was named in the matchday 23 for the Force’s 2026 season opener at home to the ACT Brumbies at HB Park. Coach Cron has used the experienced prop as an impact player in all but one appearance, having started at loosehead away to the Fijian Drua in round nine.

The Queensland-raised talent has played 30 minutes in 50 per cent of those appearances, which included a mammoth 67-minute shift away to the Reds. Queensland were stunned by the Force that day, with the visitors claiming a 42-19 win at Suncorp Stadium on April 4.

“I’m thrilled to re-sign with the Force,” Fa’agase said.

“My family are really settled here in WA.

“I’ve really enjoyed the tightness of the Force group. The best thing is the amount of touring we do as a group, which brings us together and makes it feel like family.

“I’m loving what the Force are building towards. Some of the results haven’t gone our way, but it’s part of the process.

“The Force gave me a lifeline in my footy career and I feel a debt of gratitude to repay them by helping them get to a finals series, whether it be this year or next.

“I’m excited about the future at the Force and I really want to be part of it.”