Sio signs - Force secure experienced midfielder Tomkinson

Mon, Sep 30, 2024, 11:45 PM
BS
by Ben Somerford

The Western Force are delighted to confirm the signing of experienced former Dragons and Highlanders midfielder Sio Tomkinson for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The 28-year-old has signed with the Force after spending the past two seasons playing with Welsh club Dragons RFC in the United Rugby Championship and European Rugby Challenge Cup. Tomkinson scored six tries in his 24 appearances for the Dragons.

Tomkinson also brings Super Rugby experience, having played 43 times for the Highlanders from 2017 to 2022, scoring 14 tries.

The midfielder, who played for New Zealand at Under-20 level in 2016, has also made 49 appearances at NPC level for Otago, scoring 17 tries.

Tomkinson has impressed over the past month training with the Force, earning selection in the squad touring South Africa for the upcoming spring series games and a permanent stay.

Force head coach Simon Cron said: “He’s a very experienced midfielder and has the ability to play both 12 and 13 for us. He’s a brilliant defensive reader and extremely physical in the contact zone.

“We had some in-depth chats with him early on about what he felt he could bring to the team and he’s shown all of those things since arriving. We’re excited to have him on board.

“He’s played over 50 top-level games including another 50 at NPC level, and at 28 he still has plenty of rugby left.

“He’ll help everybody around him to be better. He’s got a good voice on the field and he’s fitting in superbly with the group.”

After spending the past few years in Europe, Tomkinson is rapt to join the Force and return to Super Rugby ranks.

“I’m very excited to be signing with the Western Force and playing Super Rugby again,” Tomkinson said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and can’t wait to rip into pre-season with the lads.

“I’m excited about what they’re building in Perth and thrilled to be part of it moving forwards.”

2025 Force Memberships will go on sale on Tuesday 8 October at westernforce.rugby.

Sio Tomkinson

27/5/1996

Midfielder

182cm

Dragons (2022-2024, 24 caps, 6 tries)

Highlanders (2017-2022, 43 caps, 14 tries)

Otago (2015-2021, 49 caps, 17 tries)

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