Perth’s Western Force is celebrating 20 seasons of elite sporting history, and will next month bring together players, staff and supporters for a special day honouring WA’s premier rugby union team.
The Floreat-headquartered team debut in 2006 against the ACT Brumbies at Subiaco Oval.
Former player and captain Matt Hodgson was part of that first game and says it has remained a highlight of his rugby career.
“It’s pretty hard to beat being part of Western Force’s first ever game,” he said.
“I think there were about 46,000 people at Subiaco Oval that day to watch us play against the Brumbies.
“So that’s pretty much a highlight for me, to be a part of a new franchise, a new set up.”
Hodgson, who also won eleven caps for Australia, got to experience two major milestones in his playing career with the Force — his 50th and 100th games were played victoriously at home. He was the first Force player to earn 100 caps for the club and was captain during its most successful Super Rugby season, when the team recorded nine wins.
The openside flanker, who has continued in an administrative role at the club, will be among past and current players, coaches, staff and supporter to gather at the University of WA next month for the Force’s 20th season past player luncheon.
Camera IconFormer Australian rugby players Matt Hodgson and Sam Carter pictured at RugbyWA HQ, Floreat, Perth, on Tuesday. Carwyn Monck Credit: Carwyn Monck/The West Australian
All proceeds raised from the event will go to the Rugby Foundation of WA, which supports grassroots rugby in Western Australia.
Retired lock Sam Carter’s favourite memories are of 2024 game against New Zealand’s Crusaders, who the Force beat for the first time in more than a decade of trying.
“Another day I’ll remember was when I played my final game last year against the Lions at Optus Stadium,” said Carter, who also played 16 games for Australia and is the son of Australian International David Carter.
“That was pretty special. It was in of 45,000 people, probably the biggest crowd the Force’s ever had.”
Mr Hodgson said next month’s luncheon would be a day to celebrate WA’s rugby legacy and everything the Perth team has accomplished along the way.
“It’s one time that we can actually come back and celebrate moments and milestones together, trade old stories together, and reconnect with new players that some of us haven’t had the chance to meet yet,” he said.
“And it’s open for everyone to come and celebrate what the Western Force have achieved over a 20-year period.”
For more information, visit the Western Force website here.