The Western Force have confirmed a partnership with newly rebranded Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks, culminating in a two match series in November.
The deal will see the Force and D-Rocks, formally the Shining Arcs, created a relationship designed to help grow the game in both Perth and Urayasu.
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It also provides new head coach Simon Cron further opportunity to work with his side ahead of his debut season, set to take a 32-player squad to Japan for the November 6 and 12 fixtures.
“We are looking at this tour on two levels. Firstly, to allow the team game time during the preseason with expectation to increase match fitness and skill, and secondly, to build team cohesion and combination not only in the playing group but also the coaching staff,” GM of Rugby Matt Hodgson said.
“This is a great opportunity for new players to combine with the current crop and form connections. By travelling together, you get to know your teammates away from rugby, assisting considerably in forming a coherent playing group. “During this tour the squad can both come together as one unit and showcase their individual capabilities, providing the coaches leverage to structure the upcoming season."
The Force are the third club to confirm a pre-season tour in Japan, with the Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels locking in matches against Panasonic Wild Knights and Kintetsu Liners respectively.
Urayasu D-Rocks General Manger Hirofumi Uchiyama welcomed the move, hoping it can spearhead their promotion push whilst hinting at the potential of further matches in Perth in future years.
“We are pleased to announce that following the signing of a partnership agreement with the Western Force. We will be hosting a Friendship Match in November,” Uchiyama stated.
“This is the first practice match after the new team was established, and many young and experienced players are given opportunities to play.
"I believe this helps to build awareness for future cross-border tournaments and to promote the team to division one.”
