Forward duo Franklin and Prinsep pen new Force deals

The Western Force are today delighted to confirm the re-signings of Maori All-Blacks forward pair Reed Prinsep and Tom Franklin.

The duo’s re-signings come after forward duo Sam Carter and Tom Horton re-committed to the Force on new deals along with the signing of capped Wallabies prop Harry Johnson-Holmes earlier this week to bolster the Club’s pack.

Ten-time Maori All Blacks loose forward Prinsep, 31, impressed across 11 games in the 2024 Super Rugby season, including nine starts where his tireless work-rate and go-forward impressed onlookers.

The back-rower debuted for the Force in Round 4 after joining on an injury cover contract, having previously played 71 Super Rugby games from 2017 to 2022 with the Hurricanes and one in 2016 with the Crusaders.

Prinsep was the Force’s leading forward for metres gained (220) in 2024 from 82 carries, while he was also a handy lineout option and had the side’s third most tackles (164) across the campaign.

Prinsep said: “I am very excited to be re-signing with the Force for next season. There are good people at all levels of the club with a real desire to do whatever it takes to win.

“I look forward to contributing to this over the next 12 months in what is an exciting year for rugby in the west.”

Franklin, who was a Super Rugby champion with the Highlanders in 2015, has re-committed to the Force after playing nine times having joined the Club in January.

The 33-year-old nine-cap Maori All-Blacks lock’s re-signing bolsters the side’s second-row stocks with Carter, captain Jeremy Williams, new signing Darcy Swain and youngster Lopeti Faifua already on the books.

Franklin won 23 lineouts in his nine games in 2024 including five steals, while he also completed 91 tackles and scored one try.

Franklin said: “I’m super stoked with the opportunity to re-sign back with the Force. Perth is a beautiful place to live and I loved my time with the team this year.

“We were close in a few games which we should’ve won, so with what we’re building, if we get those little things right, we can really push for finals which excites me.

“Crono and the coaches have done a great job getting the players connected and together so I cannot wait to get back to Perth, rip in and go again.”

Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman was thrilled to see the forwards re-commit to the Club.

“It’s fantastic to have both Reed and Tom re-commit to the Club after both impressed in their maiden seasons in 2024 and we’re excited to see what they can add in terms of professionalism to our young group,” Goodman said.

“Reed was a revelation after joining on an injury cover contract, with his work-rate in defence and offence earning him the nickname from Crono of ‘concrete’ for how hard he is. He settled into the group quickly as a leader and we’re thrilled he’s settled into Perth life and re-committed.

“Tom was a really good addition in 2024, offering further depth and quality among our locks. He’s an excellent person to have around the group with his experience and leadership so we’re very happy to have him re-sign with the Force.”