The Western Force will have extra motivation over the next fortnight, unveiling their ANZAC Round jersey ahead of Friday's clash with Moana Pasifika.
The jersey will be worn as part of Super Round, as well as next Friday against the Blues at HBF Park as part of their own celebrations.
It was designed by former soldier and renowned Western Australian military artist Ian Coate, depicting a soldier carrying an injured countryman on the battlefield with the iconic commemorative red poppy.
It draws up the strong connections between the key values of military and rugby, with Coate revealing the inspiration centres around the friendships and bonds formed during combat, rather than the battle itself.
Scrumhalf Ian Prior, whose sister is a captain in the Army, was honoured to once again celebrate and recognise the sacrifice made.
“The work the defence force has and continues to do is something that all Australians can be proud of….it’s a huge meaning for myself and for every Australia," Prior told Channel Nine.
“Ian Coate, who designed the jersey and does a lot of military artwork has done a great job with it, showing respect, honour, courage, humility and mateship, which is massive in both the military and sport.
“What the ANZACs achieved and sacrificed is something significant and we’re lucky to see that benefit in our lifestyle and in our community so it’s really special to have a veteran have a touch of his artwork on the jersey and hopefully we can do it justice as a team and Super Rugby.”
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For prop Harrison Lloyd, the ability to celebrate his family history was driving himself and the Force to turn around their fortunes, with his father serving 27 years in the Army and his grandfather serving in Vietnam with the Air Force.
“ANZAC round is very important for me personally, I’m incredibly proud of my family military history, my dad served in the Australian Army and fought in conflict so I’m incredibly proud and passionate about it,” Lloyd added.
“It’s a huge honour to wear this jersey designed by Ian (Coate)…to wear something he designed is a huge honour personally and for the Force and we’ll be looking to do it justice when the time comes.”
