New Zealand forward to fill ‘street fighter’ role after being handed Super Rugby Pacific lifeline

Adam Kyriacou
Vaiolini Ekuasi when playing for the Rebels.

Vaiolini Ekuasi when playing for the Rebels.

Western Force have announced the signing of New Zealand-born back-row Vaiolini Ekuasi, who will link up with the side ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Auckland and played National Provincial Championship rugby for Auckland in recent campaigns, joins the Force from the Rebels.

Ekuasi also played Super Rugby Pacific for the Blues before he made the move to the Melbourne side, playing 27 times and scoring four tries in his time at the club.

New beginning

However, the Rebels are now defunct which has led to their players being up for grabs and fortunately for the versatile back-rower the Force have come knocking.

“I’m pretty excited about a new beginning and new environment. It’s a point of difference for myself,” he said after being impressed by head coach Simon Cron.

“Speaking to Crono, I’m drawn to the Force by their vision and where the club is headed with their shift of players. I can see there is good things happening.

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“I’m excited to be able to bring my style of play into the Force environment and leave a mark as Crono told me he needs a street fighter, which is a role I’m keen to take on.”

Ekuasi will link up with the likes of fellow loose forwards Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Nick Champion de Crespigny and Carlo Tizzano at the Perth-based side.

Western Force head coach Simon Cron is delighted to have secured Ekuasi’s services and believes he will fill the role of “street fighter” at the club with aplomb.

“He’s explosive and powerful. His preferred position is number eight but can play six and seven so he gives us some coverage,” he said.

“We need to add some street fighters to our team and he sits in that category. When he hits people, they stay hit. You’ve seen that we need that against some of the bigger teams this year.

“Personality wise he is a really lovely guy, humble and driven to be successful. He’s a guy that we want here at the club for 2025 and into the future.”

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