New Western Force captain Jeremy Williams is eager to bring success to his new home in WA after being named the eighth men’s captain in club history.
Williams takes over from backrower Michael Wells, who will serve as his deputy alongside Nic White.
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Like Wells and White, Williams took his chance to move away from home and has thrived, winning the Force Man Award in 2023 after initially debuting for the NSW Waratahs.
“Perth is a really good place to come and focus on your footy," he told Rugby.com.au in January, weeks before the announcement.
“A lot of the boys aren’t from here so everyone’s away from home and that’s what creates the bonds and connections well because no one really has their family so it brings the boys a lot together.
“You’re focused on Rugby over here and just getting better, improving your game…I think the beauty of having people come from different teams all over the world is they’ve got experience in different teams, cultures and styles.
"...The goal is to win the competition. We're a process-driven team so obviously, the goal for any team is to win the Super Rugby title and I don't think you can be working towards anything less than that."
The 23-year-old is one of the youngest captains in Super Rugby but his influence over the club is clear to see already.
Williams stepped up as a lineout caller in 2023 without Izack Rodda, who was sidelined with a foot injury, whilst was key in convincing Will Harris and Ben Donaldson to come to the club.
“I think the easiest way to get better at footy is to be playing and it was awesome to be playing consistent minutes last year," he believes.
“To get that experience and help me grow the game, it was awesome to work alongside players like Michael Wells, Ryan McCauley, Izack Rodda and Jeremy Thrush and continue to grow and help each other along the year.
“‘Rods’ was great in giving me tips along the way and made me feel comfortable in calling the lineouts.
"Will (Harris) and I were having a few conversations about what his plans were (for beyond 2023) and he’d worked with ‘Cronny’ before so he knew he was such a good coach. It was just an awesome opportunity for him to come over and try something new. Me, he and Ben Donaldson all live in the house together so that’s pretty cool living with two best mates."
Force coach Simon Cron backs Williams to step up to the challenge.
“It’s our pleasure to appoint Jeremy as the Club’s Super Rugby Pacific captain, with the support of Michael Wells and Nic White as vice-captains,” Cron said in a statement.
“A big part of this decision is looking to the future for someone who can help drive the leadership forward over the next couple of years...Jeremy is a fantastic young man. He has a lot of respect from the playing group, he played big minutes for us last year and he leads by doing.
“It’s a massive privilege and honour to lead this Club,” Williams added.
“I genuinely cannot wait to lead the boys out this year and am really excited for the season ahead after all the work we’ve done this pre-season."
