1
The rising Super Rugby talent set to make his mark in a star-studded Western Force side
Australian rugby has a decorated history of player development throughout its schoolboy and U20 levels, with numerous representatives having gone on to become Wallabies legends.
ADVERTISEMENT
Phil Waugh (1997) and Kurtley Beale (2006) both captained the Australian schoolboy teams in their respective years, while Rod Kafer and Matt Burke also donned the green and gold at that level.
Western Force utility back Jack McGregor was following in the footsteps of these and other giants of the game when he was selected in both the New South Wales and Australian schoolboy sides in 2014 and 2015.
Having also put pen to paper with the Melbourne Rebels in 2016, before being selected in the Australians U20 squad a year later, everything was pointing towards immediate success in the sport.
But a horror run of injuries changed his career direction, with the exciting prospect leaving the Rebels without playing a Super Rugby match.
In 2018, McGregor took up an opportunity with the Force which helped breathe new life into a promising young career.
“Coming out of school, straight into an ACL reconstruction and then an ankle reconstruction, it wasn’t ideal, and it changed the way I saw the progression of my career going. It’s also made me quite mentally strong to deal with those injuries and to bounce back,” McGregor told RugbyPass.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I’m very grateful for the Force because they gave me a second opportunity at playing professional rugby. Since coming here I’ve found a new love for the game, and thoroughly enjoy training and playing, and just the culture here is amazing and also the lifestyle.
“[It’s] funny how things worked now that the Force are back in Super Rugby and now I get that opportunity to fulfil that childhood dream that I chased when I was in Melbourne but now I get to do in Western Australia.”
After a couple of years playing with the Force, McGregor truly announced himself on the national stage with an impressive rookie Super Rugby campaign.
Some believe he should play at fullback while others think he could be a wing or midfielder, but where does Leon MacDonald see Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s positional future in rugby union?https://t.co/llaPwxW5Jl
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 6, 2021
He played in all eight of his sides matches in 2020, starting all but one.
The now 23-year-old proved to be an integral part of the Force, starring at mainly fullback but also starting at flyhalf in one match against the Queensland Reds on the Gold Coast.
ADVERTISEMENT
For the Force, 2020 was a second chance to prove themselves at that level – and the same could be said about many of their players, McGregor included.
“I was happy with some games and obviously there [was] a lot to work on. For my first experience in Super Rugby there were a few positives but definitely things to work on which I’ve focused on this preseason.
“But I think it’s just getting games under your belt so now you’ve sort of ticked off that box of playing Super Rugby and fulfilling that dream, now it’s just about cementing your spot and not just being there to take part but to try and to have a good injection in a game.”
An influx of experienced test players has set McGregor a challenge to hold his place in the starting side for 2021, with the Force now having impressive depth across their squad.
Rob Kearney is arguably the most notable addition to the Force’s ranks for the 2021 season, with the 34-year-old having been capped 95 times for Ireland and touring with the British and Irish Lions twice.
“In every team you want competition for spots because it makes you train harder and work harder to get there.
“Personally, having a guy like Rob come in especially, he’s one of the most decorated players. It’s been brilliant for me. It’s an opportunity for me to learn and get better myself, and just pick his brain at certain things.
“Bringing in the international guys has obviously increased the standard of training and competition for spots so they’ve driven high standards and expected a lot from the other players which is good.”
View this post on Instagram
McGregor added that his “big goal” for the upcoming campaign is just to take each game as it comes, as he looks to cement his spot in the starting XV while doing Force fans proud.
“I just want to take it one step at a time, try and focus on cementing myself in the team and then playing really good rugby.
“[I] definitely just want to put my best foot forward and play the best I can for the Force and also for the sea of blue, the fans and the members.”
The Force have also bolstered their ranks with former Wallabies Tevita Kuridrani and Tom Robertson, as well as Pumas players Tomas Cubelli, Domingo Miotti, Santiago Medrano and Tomas Lezana, and Australian sevens representative Tim Anstee.
These players will line up alongside former All Blacks Jeremy Thrush and Richard Kahui, internationals from tier two nations such as Marcel Brache (USA) and Henry Taefu (Samoa), and returning former Wallabies in Kyle Godwin and Greg Holmes.
It’s no surprise, then, that McGregor is excited about the upcoming season, with the Force having made “some big improvements” throughout the preseason while building on their depth.
It would seem that on paper, the Force’s hopes of recording that elusive first win back in Super Rugby appears fairly strong.
“Coming into this season we don’t just want to win one game, we want to win them all.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Obscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
15 Go to comments