The Western Force have pulled off a major coup by signing Wallaroos centre Cecilia Smith for the 2025 season.
Smith is the reigning Super Rugby W Player of the Year after a brilliant 2023 season that saw the Queensland Reds return to the finals.
Watch the Wallaroos tackle Scotland to decide WXV 2 live and exclusively on Stan Sport.
This form continued into 2024 and has become a key member of Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp's squad.
The 30-year-old will look to add to her 17 caps on the weekend against Scotland before joining the Force for their upcoming trip to Japan.
“I’m really excited to be signing with the Force. I've heard good things about how well this program has progressed and the quality of footy they've produced in the last couple of years so I'm keen to experience it myself," Smith said in a statement.
“I'm near the back end of my career and I've always wanted to experience other clubs and the Force was always the club that interests me.
"Obviously with the World Cup next year everyone will be pushing for a spot and it's the goal but I just want to really enjoy my footy, everyone plays good footy when they're in a happy place plus Trill (Pomare) was always in my ear to come down west,” Smith said.
“We've become good mates since we met in Wallaroos and we've been working on our combo for a while now, mostly in trainings but would love the chance to finally play alongside her in a full season of Super W and give our combo a crack which is also part of the reason so looking forward to it.”
It continues the club's recruitment drive after the signing of fellow Wallaroo Sera Naiqama.
“Cecilia brings a lot of experience but also a lot of respect from the competition,” Force women’s head coach Dylan Parsons said.
“She’s been a high performer in Super W for a long time.
“She’s key player for the Wallaroos and adds experience to our young aspiring backline, so bringing someone like that into our environment will help a lot and help support some of our experienced players like Trilleen.
“Cecilia and Trilleen have a really strong connection and relationship through their time in the Wallaroos. To have those two together is something we’re really excited about.”
