Western Force sign ‘dominant’ ball-runner to fill vital physical void

Former Crusaders U20s Academy prospect Netani Baleisomosomo has earned an opportunity in Super Rugby Pacific with the Western Force, signing a two-year deal with the club after impressing in Queensland Premier Rugby.

Fiji-born Baleisomosomo moved to New Zealand as a teenager on a scholarship with prestigious rugby nursery Nelson College. The loose forward has later been a part of the Crusaders U20s system and the Tasman Mako squad at the provincial level.

The forward moved across the Tasman earlier in 2026 to play premier club rugby for Wests Bulldogs, who are one win away from the big dance, progressing to the preliminary final with a 36-19 win over Easts last weekend.

Baleisomosomo has been one of the standouts for the Bulldogs all season, named in the Hospital Cup Team of the Week three times. The 22-year-old, who can play in both the second row and loose forwards, is now set to bolster the Force squad in Super Rugby Pacific.

“We’re really excited to bring Netani across to the Force. Netani brings a big body, dominant ball-carrying and plenty of physicality,” Force coach Simon Cron said.

“He’s driven to be successful, fits seamlessly into our playing group and has massive upside as we develop him into a great Super Rugby player.”

Baleisomosomo added: “I’m really excited about this new chapter with the Western Force. I’m ready for a fresh start and a new challenge. This is an exciting opportunity for me.

“I’m looking forward to getting to the club, meeting new people and to keep pushing to get better.

“I’m keen to take the next step in my career and, when speaking to the club, I know the Force will make me a better player. I watched the team last year and it’s a side on the up.”

Baleisomosomo is the latest addition to the Force squad ahead of the 2027 season, following the re-signing announcement of scrum-half Austin Moyano last week. Australia Sevens flyers Aden Ekanayake and Wallace Charlie have also signed on.

Utility back Taj Annan has committed to a two-year deal with the club, and former Melbourne Rebels lock Trevor Hosea is in the mix after returning home to Australia after a multi-year stint abroad in Japan Rugby League One.

“We’ve been really targeted in bolstering our second row after Darcy Swain and Franco Molina’s departures, so we’re extremely happy to lock in Trevor,” Cron said.

“We’ve been tracking Trevor since he left Australian shores and headed to Japan. We believe he has an extremely high ceiling and will be a great asset for the Western Force as well as having the potential to put himself into international contention.

“He’s a powerful, strong and mobile athlete who will work really well with Jeremy Williams and Lopeti Faifua.”