Travelling to Fiji to debut for the Western Force in their first game of the Global Rapid Rugby Pacific Showcase Series, Rory O'Sullivan said he is taking the opportunity with "both hands"
"It’s a great opportunity, happy to be here. It’s obviously some different circumstances that got me here so I am just happy to be here and be a part of everything," O'Sullivan said. The opportunity also comes with a chance for the Fortescue Premier Grade player to experience the new game changer that is Rapid Rugby.
"It’s a big, new movement happening around these parts so I’m just happy to be a part of it, see what I can do to help the boys out," he said.
But the 20-year-old former Scotch College student knows he has his work cut out for him as the Force tackle the current ladder leaders, the Fijian Latui, on Saturday. "We all know the Fijians have a very expansive style of footy, really fast with a lot of gaps. I’m looking forward to it cause it suits my style of play, and the Force’s style of play from what I’ve seen," O'Sullivan said.
"Obviously it will be a challenge for everyone and especially with the hot weather, but the boys are looking really fit and fresh so I’m sure when they get off the plane they’ll be ready to rip in and keep up with these Fijian guys and follow the ball around."
The Western Force play the Fijian Latui at Churchill Park, Fiji. Kicking off Saturday May 25th at 11:10AM AWST
Western Force Lineup
In: Markus Vanzati, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Harrison Lloyd, Andrew Deegan and Leon Power
Out: Chris Heiberg, Rod Davies, Rodney Iona, Ben Grant and Angus Taylor.
Uncapped: Rory O’Sullivan
Starting XV: 1. Markus Vanzati,2. Heath Tessmann, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Johan Bardoul, 5. Fergus Lee-Warner, 6. Henry Stowers, 7. Chris Alcock,, 8. Brynard Stander, 9. Issak Fines, 10. AJ Alatimu, 11. Brad Lacey, 12. Henry Taefu, 13. Marcel Brache, 14. Masivesi Dakuwaqa 15. Jack McGregor.
Reserves: 16. Feleti Kaitu’u, 17. Harrison Lloyd, 18. Tom Sheminant, 19. Leon Power, 20. Tevin Ferris, 21. Rory O’Sullivan, 22. Andrew Deegan, 23. Clay Uyen.
