Western Force sign Chiefs prop Reuben O'Neill on two-year deal after five seasons in Hamilton

Western Force have signed Chiefs prop Reuben O’Neill on a two-year deal, bringing the 31-year-old to Perth after five seasons with the Chiefs in Hamilton and one with the Crusaders in Christchurch.

O’Neill, a Taranaki product who was included in the All Blacks’ wider training squad in 2018 and has made 51 Super Rugby appearances for the Chiefs, arrives as Force head coach Simon Cron looks to consolidate the front-row depth that helped the club finish as one of Super Rugby Pacific’s form teams in 2026.

“Reuben was a target we approached two years ago, but we were unable to get him released at the time,” Cron said. “One of the areas we had problems with, prior to 2026, was in prop depth. In 2026, it was the first time we’ve really had some good depth in our front row, and all those guys performed extremely well. Reuben adds to that with experience and a hard-edge attitude towards set-piece. We’re looking forward to getting him here.”

O’Neill’s departure from the Chiefs follows an injury-troubled 2026 campaign in which he did not feature after round 9. His exit continues a run of experienced front-row movement out of Hamilton — in 2025, two-cap All Black Aidan Ross left the Chiefs for the Queensland Reds, where the 30-year-old has since become a regular Wallabies selection under Joe Schmidt.

The new signing expressed enthusiasm about the move. “I’m fizzed up to come over to Perth for the next two years,” O’Neill said. “It’s a great opportunity and challenge for me personally, and something completely new to what I’m used to. I like what Simon is doing with the team. Watching them play in the last year just shows the work ethic and growth of the team.”