After a successful inaugural campaign in 2011 the Emirates Western Force A programme has geared up again to provide players from the professional rugby programme and up and coming West Australian's an opportunity to further their rugby development.

 

The programme is co-ordinated by Andrew Scotney who has put together a six match schedule which will take in games against the Australian Barbarians, Rebel Rising, Perth Gold and NSW 1st Grade sides West Harbour and reigning Shute Shield champions Eastwood.

 

"The aim is for improvement with the match programme every year and the games against the Baa Baas and 2011 Shute Shield champions Eastwood really provide this on top of the other fixtures that were initiated last year,” Scotney said.

 

“West Harbour's return shows how much they benefitted from last year's trip, whilst the Rebel Rising games continue to strengthen our link with another young Australian franchise and provide all prospective Super Rugby players from both the current Emirates Western Force squad and local Premier Grade rugby ranks with further exposure to quality rugby,” said Scotney.

 

The matches will be played from mid-February through until the end of March after which Scotney will continue to work with contracted Emirates Western Force players not taking part in FxPro Super Rugby games and monitor their progress in the WA Premier Grade competition.

 

Reigning Premier Grade championship coach Steve McFarland, UWA, will add his weight to the programme after joining as an assistant coach.

 

“Having Steve on board is fantastic and reward for his efforts in taking University from mid table finishes in previous years to grand final success in 2011,” Scotney said.

 

“Anyone who saw Uni play would have recognised the structure and organisation he brought, particularly to their forward pack, and I look forward to working with him throughout the programme.”

 

Head Coach – Andrew Scotney

Assistant Coach – Steve McFarland

S&C Coach – Brendan Appleby

Manager – Craig Fairhall

 

 

Thursday, Feb 16	Australian Barbarians	nib Stadium, Perth - Kick off 4.40pm
Saturday, Feb 25	Rebel Rising	UWA Sports Park (McGillivray Oval) – Kick off 4.00pm
Friday, Mar 9	West Harbour	nib Stadium, Perth – Kick-off 5.00pm
Friday, Mar 16	Eastwood	Curtin University, Bentley - Kick-off 5.30pm
Friday, Mar 23	Rebel Rising	AAMI Park (Melbourne)

 

Emirates Western Force A 41	def	Australian Barbarians 7	click here for match report
Emirates Western Force A 28	lost to	Rebel Rising 48	click here for match report
Emirates Western Force A 61	def	West Harbour 5	match report coming soon