Western Force sign Josh Thompson

The Western Force are excited to confirm the signing of forward Josh Thompson ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Thompson, who can play lock or number six, joins the Force from NSW Shute Shield club West Harbour and brings physicality and work ethic to the Force forward stocks.

The 23-year-old forward was part of the Force’s Spring Series tour of South Africa last August and September as a development player.

Thompson recently played four Shute Shield games for West Harbour after returning from a shoulder injury, before jetting west to link up with the Force.

Force head coach Simon Cron said: “We identified him to be part of our Spring Series last year, but he dislocated his shoulder in South Africa and has been out for a number of months but is working his way back in, so we’re excited about bringing him into the group now he’s fully fit.

“He’s a big body. He’s dynamic, hits hard and is really keen to learn. He’s a bit of a development project in parts of his game.

“He meets a lot of our criteria. He’s a great human and he wants to get better. He offers versatility to our forward options too. He adds a lot to the squad.”

Thompson said: “I’m really excited to be part of what the Western Force are building at the moment.

“What most excites me about the move is to be part of what the Force are building. I’m also excited to work with Simon Cron, I’m confident he and the coaches will bring the best out of me.

“It was fantastic to spend four weeks with the Force last year for the Spring Series which was a really good experience and showed the step-up required. I can’t wait for more.”

Thompson's signing follows the recruitment of Wallabies Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Darcy Swain along with hooker Nic Dolly, dynamic back Divad Palu, front-rower Harry Johnson-Holmes and back-rowers Vaiolini Ekuasi and Nick Champion de Crespigny, ahead of the 2025 season.

Thompson arrived in Perth last week and has joined pre-season training.

Josh Thompson

8/12/2000 Born: Suva, Fiji Lock/number six West Harbour (2023-2024) Western Sydney Two Blues (2022)