Emerging lock Lopeti Faifua has
penned a new two-year deal with the Western Force, extending his stay in the
west until 2028.
The 197cm second-rower, 24, has gone from strength to
strength since heading to the Force in mid-2023, learning off Wallabies Jeremy
Williams and Darcy Swain and Argentina international Franco Molina.
Faifua has played four games this season, scoring against
the Hurricanes in Round 5. That comes after an impressive stint with Tasman
Mako in the 2025 NPC.
The former Australia U20 international has tallied 16
caps at the Force, having previously played five times for the Queensland Reds.
His extension is important list management for the Force,
with locks Swain and Molina set to depart at the end of this season for
European moves.
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “We always knew how
exciting Lopeti’s upside was when we got him across. He has continuously worked
hard on his craft at line-out time and as a tight-five forward.
“Getting him over to New Zealand to play some NPC helped
with his development because he got to play 10 games in a row.
“He’s explosive and powerful. He works really hard off
the field, so we’re really excited to keep him as we see him as a big part of
the Club’s future.”
Faifua said: “Signing for another two years was the
easiest decision I’ve made. I love this club and the boys in the group make it
extra special wanting to stay.
“I love where the club is headed with a lot of the growth
in it and to also give the Sea of Blue what it deserves, a Super Rugby
championship.
“I feel being here will not only help with me wanting to
develop my game but also aim to be a national representative.
“Being with the Force will help me with achieving that
goal and I’ve been here for three years now and I’m definitely excited about
what’s next to come.”