Boston Fakafanua re-signs with Western Force on two-year deal after Super Rugby debut

Boston Fakafanua has signed a two-year contract extension with the Western Force, securing the Australia Under-20s utility back’s future in Perth after he broke into Super Rugby Pacific this season.

The New Zealand-born back made his Super Rugby debut on 23 May, coming off the bench to replace Hamish Stewart in a 19-15 win over the Fijian Drua at HBF Park. The eight-minute cameo capped a steady rise through the Force system, having captained the club’s Under-19s side and represented Australia at the 2024 and 2025 World Rugby Junior World Championships.

Fakafanua had already shown his potential during the inaugural Super Rugby AUS campaign, making three appearances as the Force reached the Grand Final against the NSW Waratahs — a 33-26 defeat hosted in Wanneroo.

Head coach Simon Cron was unequivocal about the club’s belief in the young back. “He’s an exciting, driven player. He is powerful and fast. He’s a pleasure to coach,” Cron said. “We see him as a long-term player in our environment, so we’re thrilled he has re-committed with us.”

Fakafanua echoed that optimism, pointing to the influence of senior teammates on his development. “I thoroughly enjoyed my first Super Rugby season and was able to really develop my game playing alongside guys like Kurtley Beale and Hamish Stewart,” he said. “Now, I’ve had a taste of Super Rugby, I’m hoping to kick on and become a mainstay in the side next season and beyond.”

The re-signing is part of a broader retention push by the Force, who have also tied down Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch alongside Mac Grealy, Henry Robertson, Sef Fa’agase, and Leonel Oviedo. The club closed the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season in strong form, winning three of their final three matches and four of their last five — a run that included a season sweep over the Queensland Reds and two victories against the Waratahs.