Western Force strengthen their Front Row Forward pack with Salesi Ma’afu – Super Rugby
Western Force have added to their front row forward pack as they signed the Australian international prop, Salesi Ma’afu, on a two-year contract. The established prop is set to move to the Perth based Super Rugby franchise after spending six years at Canberra.
The Sydney born prop joined Brumbies in 2007 and made his debut against the Chiefs in Hamilton. He has so far made 50 appearances for the Brumbies and has scored 20 points, with all points coming from the tries.
Ma’afu will join the test capped prop Nathan Charles, Pek Cowan, Ben Whittaker and Kieran Longbottom. Ma’afu termed the need for a new challenge and environment as the main motive behind his decision to the leave Brumbies.
28-year-old Ma’afu has termed his stay at Canberra as most memorable. He added that he improved his game while at the club and raised a family. Ma’afu was referring to his wife and four children.
However, Ma’afu did not term the decision to leave force as difficult. He said, “I’m looking forward to coming across and playing with some really high caliber players, and specifically in the forwards with the likes of Nathan Sharpe and the all-Wallabies
back row led by David Pocock.”
Wallabies prop has praised the working culture at Western Force and described it as a prime reason that attracted him to the squad. He further added that Force’s coach, “has a very clear plan where he wants to take this team.”
Western Force’s coach, Richard Graham, has welcomed the addition of Salesi Ma’afu and termed him an excellent replacement for Tim Fairbrother who is leaving the Force at the end of the season.
Graham has termed Ma’afu as a genuine international front row forward equipped with all the skills required at the senior and international level. He further added, “His performances for Australia in the Tri-Nations illustrate what he can offer the Emirates
Western Force.”
Ma’afu made his Australian international debut in 2009 courtesy of his exceptional performances for Australia A during 2007 and 2008 successively. He made his Wallabies debut against the touring Fiji.
Ma’afu twice made in the British Barbarians squad and was part of the Barbarian team that defeated the 2007 Rugby World Cup Champions Springboks 22-5, at Twickenham in 2007. He so far has represented Australia in 10 games.
Ma’afu will miss the Brumbies vs. Force’s encounter at the Perth during the weekend due to injury to his right arm.
Tags: