Western Force re-sign former Australia U20s lock Lopeti Faifua

Former Australia U20s lock Lopeti Faifua will remain out west for another two Super Rugby Pacific seasons, inking a new deal with the Force until 2028.

With Wallabies second-rower Darcy Swain and Los Pumas enforcer Franco Molina set to leave the club at the end of the 2026 campaign, Faifua’s decision to re-sign comes as an important update for the Force moving forward.

Faifua represented Australia at U20s level in 2022, lining up alongside future Force teammates Darby Lancaster and Mac Grealy. The tight five forward initially started out at Super Rugby level with the Queensland Reds before moving west in mid-2023.

The 24-year-old debuted in Force colours against the Hurricanes on February 23, 2023, named in the run-on side and playing 55 minutes. Coach Simon Cron selected Faifua another 10 times that season, which included another start away to the Fijian Drua.

Faifua has made four appearances in the current campaign to date, making a real impact off the bench with a try away to the Hurricanes in round five. Force captain Jeremy Williams and Swain have held down the fort as the regular starting lock duo.

“We always knew how exciting Lopeti’s upside was when we got him across. He has continuously worked hard on his craft at line-out time and as a tight-five forward,” Cron said in a statement.

“Getting him over to New Zealand to play some NPC helped with his development because he got to play 10 games in a row.

“He’s explosive and powerful. He works really hard off the field, so we’re really excited to keep him as we see him as a big part of the Club’s future.”

Faifua started the 2026 season with a 27 minute cameo off the bench against the Blues, before suiting up against Moana Pasifika the following week. Cron has also featured against the Canes and more recently at home to the Chiefs.

The Force have bolstered their depth at second-row with this re-signing, with Swain among those set to pursue new opportunities later in 2026. Swain has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with Top 14 side Clermont.

“Signing for another two years was the easiest decision I’ve made. I love this club and the boys in the group make it extra special wanting to stay,” Faifua explained.

“I love where the club is headed with a lot of the growth in it and to also give the Sea of Blue what it deserves, a Super Rugby championship.

“I feel being here will not only help with me wanting to develop my game but also aim to be a national representative.

“Being with the Force will help me with achieving that goal and I’ve been here for three years now and I’m definitely excited about what’s next to come.”