Western
Force back-rower Reed Prinsep will call time on his professional rugby career
following Sunday’s Super Rugby AUS Grand Final, wrapping up an 11-year career
that included almost 100 Super Rugby caps and representing the Maori All
Blacks.

The 32-year-old will later this year head to Oxford University to study an Executive Masters of Business Administration as his he and his young family, wife Mel and their two children Cartia and Heidi, move on to the next chapter of their lives.

Prinsep, 32, made 99 Super Rugby appearances with three clubs, the Crusaders (2015-2016), the Hurricanes (2017-2023) and the Force (2024-2025). He also earned 10 caps for the Māori All Blacks from 2016 to 2022.

The back-rower broke into professional rugby at Canterbury in late 2014 and was part of the side that won three straight NPC titles from 2015 to 2017.

After a
playing career in his native New Zealand, he was lured to the Force in early
2024 by head coach Simon Cron, notching up 25 Super Rugby appearances. He
finished fifth in the 2024 Nathan Sharpe medal count after an impressive debut
season in Perth.

Prinsep
explained the decision, revealing from his teenage years he always wanted to
study at Oxford University, and reflecting on his journey as a player.

He said:
“The decision to study at Oxford has been on my mind since I left high school,
so it’s always been the masterplan to transition out of rugby. When the offer
came through, I felt it was the best time to take it up.

“I feel
like I got everything out of myself and my body. I’d rather finish a year
early, than a year late so the timing felt right. Rugby has opened up many
doors for life beyond my playing days, and my family and I are excited about
the next chapter.

“The
journey has been special. You get told by senior players that your career goes
by in a flash and that’s certainly true. It feels like yesterday I made my
debut at Canterbury.

“I never
came through an Academy system, so I’ve always played for the love of the game
and made the most of every opportunity. I started out at Canterbury in the
midst of a dynasty winning three titles in a row. That was a special time with
a special team.

“I’ve been
blessed to have opportunities in Super Rugby at the Crusaders, Hurricanes and
Force and met some great people along the way. There’s lots of highlights
including debut games and milestone games, but it’s always been about the
people.”

Across his 11-year career, Prinsep also played 73 Super Rugby games for the Hurricanes, as well as 83 NPC caps for Canterbury, including the three titles.

Prinsep
offered gratitude to his wife Mel and family, along with coaches along the way.

“The
biggest thank you goes to my wife Mel, who has been beside me every step of my
career,” he said. “The support she’s provided has been unbelievable and enabled
me to have this career, with all the travel and now everything that comes with
having two children.

“It’s been
such a proud moment having my two daughters coming watch my games, particularly
at the Force and seeing them on the field after the games. It’s something I’ve
really enjoyed.

“I’m
grateful to my mum Andrea and dad Grant for their support from day dot,
dropping me off at training or games when I was a junior and being at every
game growing up. My love of the game began through them. When I was young, I
recall my dad telling me ‘you’ll enjoy the game more if you’re fitter’ and he
was right. It’s the little things like that.

“My brother
Blair was a great rugby player in his own right and it was amazing to have him
to train and play alongside growing up. He pushed me to get better.

“I’ve been
fortunate to work with plenty of great coaches along the way and it was Razor
who gave me my first opportunity at Canterbury. Jason Holland was there at my
first day at Canterbury and throughout my entire journey at the Hurricanes too.

“I’m hugely
grateful to the Force and Crono for giving me an opportunity two years ago. I
was at a tough spot after missing the 2023 season with Achilles injury, but I
feel like I played some of my best Super Rugby at the Force. That was due to
good people around me and a good support network, pushing me to be my best.

“It’s been
special to be part of the Force team for the past two years and the fans have
been unreal. I’ve been at teams in New Zealand where rugby is the number one,
so there’s something special about the Sea of Blue’s commitment through thick
and thin at the Force.

“For how I’d
like to be remembered, I hope I’ve earned the respect of teammates along the
way, with my work ethic and efforts on and off the field. I’ve never wanted to
let people down and always aimed to get the best out of myself.

“I always
led through my actions and wanted to be a role model for the young guys coming
through to get the best out of themselves.”

Cron
praised Prinsep for his contribution to the Force during his two years at the
Club where he quickly became part of the leadership group and earned the
nickname ‘Concrete’ for his hard carries.

“Reed has
been a phenomenal leader of men,” Cron said. “He leads by his actions.

“He has an
amazing knowledge of the game and never stops working and never lets you down. He’s
been a huge asset.

“We wish
him, his wife Mel and their two daughters Cartia and Heidi all the best in
their next adventure in England.”

Reed
Prinsep

DOB:
17/2/1993

Position:
Back-rower

Super Rugby
debut: 2016 with Crusaders

Super Rugby
caps: 97 (1 with Crusaders (2016), 73 with Hurricanes (2017-2023), 25 with
Force (2024-2025))

Force cap:
253

Maori All
Blacks caps: 10