The Western Force have received a double boost with the re-signings of veteran Wallabies lock Sam Carter and dynamic hooker Tom Horton.
Carter, 34, offered a glimpse of his experience and quality across five games in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season after joining the Force in mid-season.
The 16-cap Wallabies second-rower starred with a crucial try in the memorable Round 9 win over the Crusaders. Carter won 12 lineouts including one steal, completing 37 tackles in his five games, but also brought experience and calmness to the Force forward pack.
Carter, who previously played 122 times in Super Rugby for the ACT Brumbies before stints in Ireland with Ulster and England with Leicester Tigers, was thrilled to re-sign with the Force with his young family settling into Perth life.
Carter said: “It’s exciting to sign on for another year. When I joined in mid-season, I liked what I saw. I’ve enjoyed playing rugby with these players and working with the wider group.
“I believe we can keep moving forward next year and really make a mark and push for finals. It’s a talented young group, great coaching staff and culture and I’m excited to rip in and play my part.
“Off-field, after re-locating from the UK, my young family and I are loving life in Perth, so we’re delighted to extend our stay.”
Horton, 27, has played 28 times for the Force following his move from the NSW Waratahs at the end of 2022, including starting all 14 games in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The hooker scored three tries in the 2024 season, finishing with the second-most metres gained for a Force forward (211m) from 63 carries, while he was fourth in the team for tackles (147). The Sydney University product has 54 caps of Super Rugby experience, having brought up his 50th Super Rugby cap in the Round 11 clash with the Chiefs.
Horton, who was called into the Wallabies squad in 2020, said he was delighted to re-commit to the Force.
Horton said: “I’m happy with the direction of the club and excited about the new players who’ve been signed to the squad and what they can bring.
“Perth is a great city to live and I’m loving being part of the current playing group at the Force, so I’m looking forward to building on what we’ve done the last two seasons in 2025.”
Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman was delighted to see the forward pair re-commit to the Club.
“We’re thrilled to see Sam and Tom re-commit to the Force,” he said.
“Sam brings considerable top-level experience and we saw first-hand his impact last season both on-field and off-field. We’re happy that Sam and his young family have settled into Perth life and we’re excited about his potential impact with a full pre-season in the Force environment.
“Tom is a reliable and no-nonsense player who played high minutes in the 2024 season at a consistent level. With increased depth in our hooker ranks, Tom is committed to competing for his spot and working hard for himself which can only benefit the team.”
