Western Force’s new captain Jeremy Williams is the club’s eighth men’s captain to be appointed and is determined to succeed at his new home in WA.
Williams will take over from Michael Wells in the back row and will serve alongside Nick White.
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Like Wells and White, Williams also took a chance away from home and developed, initially making his debut with the NSW Waratahs before winning the Forsman Award in 2023.
“Perth is a really good place to come and focus on football,” he said. rugby.com.au January, a few weeks before the announcement.
“A lot of the boys aren’t from here, so they’re all away from home. That creates good bonds and connections. None of them actually have families, so that’s what drives the boys. It’s very unifying.”
“You’re here concentrating on rugby and just improving and improving your game…The beauty of having people come from different teams around the world is that they come from different teams, cultures. , I think it’s about gaining experience in style.”
“…the goal is to win the competition. We’re a process-driven team, so of course the goal for any team is to win a Super Rugby title, and we’re not looking to do anything else. I don’t think I can put in the effort.” ”
At 23, he is one of the youngest captains in Super Rugby, but his influence on the club is already clear.
Williams stepped up as a lineout caller in 2023 in the absence of Isaac Rodda, who was sidelined with a foot injury, while also being key in convincing Will Harris and Ben Donaldson to come to the club.
“I think the easiest way to get better at soccer is to play. It was great to be able to play consistently last year,” he believes.
“To get that experience and to help grow my game, working with guys like Michael Wells, Ryan McCauley, Isaac Rodda, Jeremy Thrash, continuing to grow throughout the year and helping each other. It was great to be able to do that.
“’Rod’ gave me hints along the way and I felt confident calling the lineout.
“Will (Harris) and I have talked several times about his plans (for 2023 and beyond). He’s worked with ‘Cronny’ before, so he’s a very good coach. “I knew that. It was a great opportunity for him to come out here and try something new. Me and him and Ben Donaldson all live in the house together. It’s great to live with two of my best friends.”
Force coach Simon Cron is rooting for Williams to step up to the challenge.
“I am delighted to appoint Jeremy as the club’s Super Rugby Pacific captain, with support from vice-captains Michael Wells and Nick White,” Cron said in a statement.
“A big part of this decision is looking to the future of personnel who can help take the leadership forward over the next few years…Jeremy is a fantastic young man. He has a lot of respect from the playing group and , spent a lot of time for us last year and led us with good results.
“It’s a great honor and privilege to lead this club,” Williams added.
“I really can’t wait to lead our guys this year and after all the work we’ve put in this preseason, I’m really excited about the season ahead.”