Western Force visit Albany to host clinics for budding young rugby players as their pre-season begins

Young rugby players in Albany got to rub shoulders with some of their Western Force heroes when the club made a trip to the region on Tuesday. The Force players and officials partnered with AFGRI to host a Force of the Fields Rugby Festival clinic at Retravision Stadium while also visiting schools around Albany. More than 40 children participated in the free clinic run by Force players Kauri Tipene-Grace, Ollie Callan, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Harry Potter, Angus Wagner, Nikolai Foliaki and Justin Landman. Potter is a new signing for the Force this season, Medrano is an Argentina representative, and Callan grew up in Perth. “We are down here in Albany, going to schools and doing a few clincis,” Callan said. “It’s about engaging the kids and shows the Force are willing to go regional. “Our fan base is great, but we are hoping a few more from today can jump aboard and support us in 2024.” Callan is a flanker and back rower and has fully recovered from a serious neck injury he suffered in April. The 23-year-old was born in London but went to Butler College and came through Wanneroo Districts Rugby Club before making his Force debut in 2020. The Force players returned to pre-season training last week ahead of the new Super Rugby Pacific season starting in February and Callan said the group was driven to get better. “Everyone came back in pretty good nick so it wasn’t too big a shock to the system,” he said. “We did testing (last) Monday and all pulled up alright. “We’ve started ahead of last year so we’re looking forward to ripping in. “I think we’ll play an exciting brand of footy, I think we are going to be fast-paced and exciting to watch so I’m looking forward to the season.”