Izack Rodda signs on with the Western Force

Tue, Mar 16, 2021, 8:30 AM
AFP
by AFP
Rodda try vs Highlanders

The Western Force have bolstered their forward stocks with the signing of Wallabies lock Izack Rodda from French Top 14 outfit Lyon.

Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn is set to be unimpressed after his former star charge Izack Rodda signed with the Western Force.

Register for Stan Sport now to watch every minute of Super Rugby AU. The new add-on Sport package is available for just $10 a month with customers able to get a 30-day free trial for a limited time only.

Rodda played 46 times for the Reds before leaving at the end of 2020 to head to French club Lyon.

Last week, Thorn expressed his displeasure at the prospect of Rodda returning to a rival Australian franchise less than a year after the star lock walked out on the Reds over a pay dispute.

It's unclear whether Rodda will be available for Saturday's clash with the Reds at Suncorp Stadium.

Rodda has earned 25 caps for the Wallabies, including appearances at the 2019 World Cup.

"It's fantastic to be heading home and getting back to Super Rugby," Rodda said.

"The Force is a very ambitious club that are looking to become the best in the competition, so this is an opportunity that I'm very excited to make the most of."

Force coach Tim Sampson said Rodda would add great value to the squad.

"Izack has a great level of Super Rugby and international experience, which is important when playing in the tight five," Sampson said.

"It's fantastic for us and Australian rugby to have players like Izack return and he is genuinely excited to be a part of our club moving forward."

Share
Liam Barry has been appointed Australia Men's Sevens coach. Photo: Getty Images
Australia Men’s Sevens appoint former All Black Liam Barry as head coach
Lynagh sends selectors message, Aubrey dazzles in Reds' win over Wild Knights
Max Jorgensen details Argentinian hospitalisation as he reflects on debut Test season
England prop Joe Marler announced his retirement from international rugby. Photo: Getty Images
England prop Marler retires from Test rugby days after haka row