After a dominant finish to the 2019 NRC campaign, young front-rower Tom Sheminant has re-signed with the Force for another year.
The Nedlands Rugby Club product started the last four games of the Force’s 2019 NRC campaign and developed into a pivotal part of a Western Force pack that powered its side to a first home Grand Final victory.
“To re-sign for another year in my hometown is incredible and I am really looking forward to it, especially with the start of the new competition. I can’t wait for the upcoming season,” Sheminant said.
After a breakout season in the gold and black, including bagging his first professional try, Sheminant finds it hard to pick any one moment from a year full of highs.
“This year has had so many highlights, especially playing against Japan A in Japan and experiencing that culture,” Sheminant said.
“Being able to play against Tonga during their World Cup preparations and being able to go three from three in all our competitions and then topping it off with an NRC Grand Final victory at home means it’s been an incredible year and it hasn’t quite sunk in yet!”
Born and bred in WA, Sheminant is eager to explore new rugby territories with the Force and Global Rapid Rugby in 2020.
“It will be amazing to play against other teams in Asia. Seeing new places and playing against teams with different styles of rugby is going to provide new challenges and I am really looking forward to it,” Sheminant said.
Force forwards coach Van Humphries has watched Sheminant’s development and believes there is more to come from the 23-year old.
“We have been excited and happy with Tom’s contribution in the second half of this year and look forward to seeing more growth as he develops through the pre-season into next year,” Humphries said.
Sheminant credits the youth structures within Rugby WA for his rise through to the Force professional ranks.
“For the Force to have a pathway to keep playing and growing and have something to strive for is great for the local community and it gives players something to aim for,” Sheminant said.
“Not having to move away from Perth was always a bonus. The pathways are incredibly helpful and important for rugby in WA”.
