Western Force lure Chiefs prop Reuben O’Neill to Perth

The Western Force have added front-row depth in the form of Chiefs 51-cap Chiefs prop Reuben O’Neill.

The 31-year-old is Perth-bound on a two-year deal after five seasons in Hamilton and one with the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Force head coach Simon Cron said that the Taranaki product, who joined the All Blacks‘ wider training squad in 2018, brings a “hard-edge attitude” to a Force team aiming up after finishing the 2026 regular season as one of Super Rugby Pacific’s form teams.

“Reuben was a target we approached two years ago, but we were unable to get him released at the time,” Cron revealed.

“One of the areas we had problems with, prior to 2026, was in prop depth. In 2026, it was the first time we’ve really had some good depth in our front row, and all those guys performed extremely well.

“Reuben adds to that with experience and a hard-edge attitude towards set-piece. We’re looking forward to getting him here.”

In 2025, the Chiefs lost two-cap All Black Aidan Ross to the Queensland Reds, with the 30-year-old now a consistent Wallabies selection under Joe Schmidt.

O’Neill’s departure comes after an injury-troubled 2026 campaign in which he did not feature after round 9.

“I’m fizzed up to come over to Perth for the next 2 years,” O’Neill said.

“It’s a great opportunity and challenge for me personally, and something completely new to what I’m used to.

“I like what Simon is doing with the team. Watching them play in the last year just shows the work ethic and growth of the team.”