Valentine's heart belongs to the Force

Western Force have recruited former Waratahs and Reds scrum-half Josh Valentine on a one-year contract.

Western Force have recruited former Waratahs and Reds scrum-half Josh Valentine on a one-year contract.

Valentine joins the Western Australia side for the 2009 season ready to challenge for the starting number nine jersey after winning his 50th Super Rugby cap this year in his second season with the Waratahs.

After spending four seasons with the Reds, Valentine was signed by the Waratahs for the 2007 season where he made 11 appearances, before adding a further two caps in 2008.

A former Australian Schoolboys captain, Valentine recovered from a serious knee injury to record his Test debut for the Wallabies in 2006.

Each of his four career Test appearances came in that year, after his debut against England at ANZ Stadium.

Valentine said he hopes to resurrect his representative career, but knows there is tough competition for the starting job at the Western Force.

“I'd love to play more Tests for Australia and that remains a big goal, but there's a lot of work to do before I think about that,” said Valentine.

“My immediate goal is to win the starting job for the Western Force and hopefully play some really good consistent rugby next year.

“There is plenty of competition in the half-back position at the Force with Chris O'Young and Justin Turner but I'll do my best to put my name up there during the pre-season and take it from there.”

Valentine said he was looking forward to re-uniting with former housemate Drew Mitchell.

“Drew and I were roomies when we were in Queensland so I'm looking forward to playing with him again, as well as 'Sharpie' and 'Gits' and the other boys,” he said.

“It's a talented squad and a great coaching staff and I'm very much looking forward to getting over to Perth and making the most of my opportunities.”

Valentine will join the Western Force in Perth prior to the commencement of 2009 pre-season training on October 6.