The Western Force have announced that they have signed former Wallaby centre and Associates Rugby Club legend Kyle Godwin, set to return for the start of the Vodafone Super Rugby AU 2020 competition.
Among the new faces wearing the blue jersey for the domestic competition will be Queensland and former Wallaby prop Greg Holmes who re-joins Australian rugby after a stint with UK based Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.
Godwin debuted for the Force back in 2012 before taking home the Rising Star, Members’ Most Valuable Player and the prestigious Best and Fairest Nathan Sharpe Medal just one year later.
He also made his Wallabies debut in 2016 against France, celebrating his 50th appearance for the Force the same year.
Over the last couple of years 27-year-old has been playing rugby in the northern hemisphere for Irish side Connacht Rugby in the last two years, where he scored 17 points over 17 appearances.
Head coach Tim Sampson’s focus on the Force has long been to provide talented West Australians opportunities close to home.
“Kyle is a great example of a talented young Australian who moved overseas to further his rugby career. To bring him back to once again play for his home team is evidence of the rugby program being developed here,” Sampson said.
“He has strong ties with the rugby community back here in Perth and fans will be very excited to see take to the field here in Australia again.”
Moving to Perth at a young age, the Zimbabwean born is a product of the WA Pathway and continues to forge his reputation as one of Australia’s most promising centres.
Known for his powerful running and spectacular game vision Sampson says the Western Australian will fit perfectly with teams’ up-tempo style of play.
“Kyle is a local hero, he has represented his state and his nation, and we are thrilled at the prospect of him getting back in the blue and black,” Sampson said.
“He has natural instinct and his ability to adapt is a strength of his. He will slip into our squad seamlessly here.”
Both Godwin and Holmes arrived in Perth last night, where they will go into mandatory quarantine before joining the team on June 25.
