Super Rugby Pacific: Hamish Stewart swaps Reds for Western Force

David Skippers

Western Force have bolstered their backline stocks ahead of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the signing of Reds playmaker Hamish Stewart.

He is an experienced campaigner who made 72 appearances for the Brisbane-based outfit after making his debut against the Hurricanes in 2017.

Utility value

The 24-year-old’s first-choice position is fly-half but he has also featured at inside centre and full-back at Super Rugby level.

Stewart is delighted to make the move to the Western Force.

“I just want to do everything I can to go as one unit. Obviously, we want to go to finals so hopefully we get that finals berth and go all the way through to win” he told the Force’s official website.

“I’m really looking forward to it and experiencing the Sea of Blue. The comradery of the players with the crowd always adds atmosphere. The Sea of Blue are very much like having a 16th player on the field.

“It will be great to reconnect with some of the guys I used to play with at the Reds too. I haven’t played with them for a couple of years, so it will be good to relight the candle and put our best foot forward.”

Force general manager Matt Hodgson believes Stewart will do well in his new surroundings.

“Hamish brings a broad skillset and breadth of experience that adds a new dimension to our backline,” he said.

“He’s a tough and youthful competitor who has a great understanding of the game having played consistently since his debut.

Fits into Force culture

“He’s a humble man who suits our team culture well, so we can’t wait to see him develop on the field and contribute to our club for at least the next two years.”

Stewart joins the Force after young fly-half Reesjan Pasitoa was ruled out of most of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign due to a knee injury sustained in a Western Australian Premier Grade club game.

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