Western Force sign Crusaders academy product Baleisomosomo on two-year deal

The Western Force have signed Netani Baleisomosomo on a two-year deal ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, with the 22-year-old joining from Queensland Premier Rugby club Wests Bulldogs after a standout campaign.

Baleisomosomo was born in Fiji and moved to New Zealand as a teenager on a scholarship with Nelson College, one of the country’s most respected rugby nurseries. He progressed through the Crusaders U20s academy system and represented Tasman Mako at provincial level before crossing the Tasman earlier in 2026 to play for Wests Bulldogs. He was named in the Hospital Cup Team of the Week three times, with the Bulldogs reaching the preliminary final after a 36-19 win over Easts.

The versatile forward can operate in both the second row and the loose forwards, and Force head coach Simon Cron identified him as a direct answer to a physical gap in the squad.

“We’re really excited to bring Netani across to the Force,” Cron said. “Netani brings a big body, dominant ball-carrying and plenty of physicality. He’s driven to be successful, fits seamlessly into our playing group and has massive upside as we develop him into a great Super Rugby player.”

Baleisomosomo said he was eager to take the next step after conversations with the club convinced him the move was right. “I’m really excited about this new chapter with the Western Force. I’m ready for a fresh start and a new challenge,” he said. “I’m keen to take the next step in my career and, when speaking to the club, I know the Force will make me a better player.”

The signing is part of a broader recruitment push by the Force, who have been actively reshaping their forward pack following the departures of locks Darcy Swain and Franco Molina. Former Melbourne Rebels lock Trevor Hosea has also returned to Australia after a multi-year stint in Japan Rugby League One and is in contention for the squad. Cron described Hosea as “a powerful, strong and mobile athlete” with potential for international selection.

Scrum-half Austin Moyano has been re-signed, while Australia Sevens backs Aden Ekanayake and Wallace Charlie have also committed to the club. Utility back Taj Annan has signed a two-year deal, rounding out a significant off-season rebuild for the Perth-based franchise.