The Western Force have bolstered their front-row options with the signing of capped Wallabies prop Harry Johnson-Holmes.
The 27-year-old adds depth to the Force’s tighthead prop options and bolsters the Club’s tight-five stocks.
Cowra-born Johnson-Holmes joins the Force from the NSW Waratahs, where he made 91 appearances and scored 11 tries since debuting at Super Rugby level in 2018.
NSW Country pathway product Johnson-Holmes made his Wallabies debut against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2019, having represented Australia at the 2017 Junior World Championships in Georgia too.
Johnson-Holmes, who had tour exposure with the Barbarians last year, playing against the Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints, said reuniting with Force head coach Simon Cron was one of many attractions to joining the WA club.
Johnson-Holmes said: “I’m excited about the move west. After seven years with the Waratahs, I felt like it was time for a change of scenery. I have admired the direction the Force are taking things.
“I’ve worked with Cronny previously at the Australia U20s and when I debuted at the Waratahs, and I always thought of him as a great mind and coach which played a part in my decision.
“I also played alongside a lot of current Force players at the Tahs, whose feedback was really positive about the Club and the direction its heading and how the environment is helping them develop as footballers.”
Johnson-Holmes is bullish that he can add plenty to the Force and also continue to develop his own game.
“Next year may be my eighth in Super Rugby, but I know I’ve got plenty left to learn and a strong desire to keep bettering myself as a player,” he said.
“The feedback from players on how the environment is helping them develop as footballers is what excites me most about the club.
“I’ve got a bit of experience under my belt now with 90-odd Super Rugby caps, and I am hoping I can use that to help contribute towards what is looking to be an exciting chapter for the Force as a club.
“That hunger for success is always burning bright, and I get the sense that success in Perth is just around the corner.”
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “I’ve been lucky enough to coach Harry through Australian U20s as well as his first two years in Super Rugby. He is an extremely driven and competitive human who always has a team first mentality.
“At scrum time, Harry has the ability to play both sides, tight and loose, which is extremely unique and a real skillset.
“We have really needed depth to give us some options in the front row. Harry is a big part of this alongside the recruitment of Nic Dolly and Brandon Paenga-Amosa as well as the return of Tom Robertson from his sabbatical at Oxford.
“He will add a lot of value to our team, and we are looking forward to having Harry, and his partner Mia, settle in the west.”
Johnson-Holmes is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury with a view to a return to competitive action early in the new year and will continue his rehabilitation when he arrives in Perth in October.
Harry Johnson-Holmes
2/3/1997
186cm
Tighthead prop
NSW Waratahs (2018-2024), 91 caps
NSW Country Eagles (2017), 7 caps
Wallabies (2019-), 1 cap
