The Western Force are excited to confirm the re-signings of experienced local pair Anneka Stephens and Libya Teepa for the upcoming 2025 Super Rugby Women’s season.
Wanneroo back-rower Stephens, who debuted for the Force in 2021, had a standout 2024 at both Super W level and Fortescue WA Women’s Premier Grade level.
The 34-year-old mother-of-four started all six games as the Force qualified for the Super W semi-finals for the first time, with her high work-rate and tenacity at the breakdown a major feature.
Stephens was also crowned the Sue Roberts Trophy for the best player in the 2024 Premier Grade Women’s season before helping Wanneroo win the premiership.
Kalamunda Kweenz lock Teepa played four games in the 2024 Super W season, used mostly as an impact player in the second-row with Michaela Leonard and Rosie Ebbage.
The 33-year-old is a long-term Force player, debuting for the side in 2022, notching 12 Super W appearances over the past three years. She brings experience, leadership and is a consistent performer.
The duo’s re-commitment is another boost for the exciting Force squad which is beginning to take shape ahead of the 2025 season with 21 announced signings following on from teenage Wanneroo midfielder Ngamihi Monk last week.
Force women’s head coach Dylan Parsons was thrilled about the leadership and experience the duo can bring the group, along with their on-field ability.
“Lib brings great connection to the whole community here,” Parsons said. “She’s so well respected and is a great competitor.
“Lib’s level of performance doesn’t change too often. She’s very consistent, so she’s one you can rely on and trust to do the job.
“She’s always working hard to push the group and push herself which is huge for our team culture.
“We call ‘Neeks’ a bit of a cheat code, with what she’s able to do on the field. The experience and level of performance she brings is elite, she’s an out-and-out competitor. No matter what she puts herself into, she’s full effort and always performs well.
“She’s super respected within our team and the whole WA rugby community. She’s one of those key players in our team who drives standards and drives the young girls to get better.
“On-field, she’s one of our hardest trainers. Neek’s continues to put up good numbers at training. She’s a complete package.”
The Force Super W season commences on Saturday 1 March against the ACT Brumbies at HBF Park.
2025 Western Force women’s squad
Georgia Cormick, Rosie Ebbage, Grace Freeman, Sheree Hume, Tamika Jones, Nicole Ledington, Michaela Leonard, Loretta Mailangi, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Ngamihi Monk, Sera Naiqama, Alapeta Ngauamo, Hannah Palelei, Trilleen Pomare, Allana Sikimeti, Cecilia Smith, Anneka Stephens, Libya Teepa, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Braxton Walker, Samantha Wood
