The University of Western Australia has launched a major three-year partnership with the Western Force, sharing resources and collaborative research to help the Force achieve its vision of becoming the leading force in world rugby.  

The partnership with the Force’s men’s and women’s teams will help UWA students to become career-ready by providing them with greater access to internships, work-integrated learning, volunteering and employability opportunities with the Western Force.

It will also provide study opportunities to talented players whom Western Force seeks to help professionally develop off the field for careers after they finish professional sport.

In addition, the Force and UWA will progress joint research projects in the area of high performance sport.

UWA will also become the official supporting partner of the Western Force Schools Cup, helping the Force develop the game and nurture talented 12-to-18-year-olds in State high schools. The Schools Cup is a new long-term initiative, which is vital to the game’s growth and long-term sustainability.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the partnership would create opportunities for UWA students, particularly in employability skills.

 Image: Image: (Left to right:) Aranmore Catholic College student Liam Burns (Western Force Cup participant), Super Rugby prop Angus Wagner, Western Force Fortescue Academy winger Jordan Williams, Super W and UWA Rugby Club forward Chelsea Wulff and Aranmore Catholic College student Olivia Wolmarans (Western Force Cup participant).

“This partnership demonstrates UWA’s commitment to producing career-ready graduates who are prepared for industry and keen to make a difference in the workforce,” Professor Chakma said.

“Our students and researchers will work together with the Western Force to share our knowledge, expertise and resources in a collaborative way.

“We are really excited to be partnering with a Western Australian organisation to help achieve its growth goals in a global market.”

Western Force Chief Executive Officer Tony Lewis highlighted the importance of the partnership for the entire organisation.

“This is a significant moment for everyone involved at the Western Force and one that demonstrates our sustained growth,” Mr Lewis said.

“Partnering with WA’s leading university to empower and provide our players with the opportunity to develop their off-field skills for life after rugby is invaluable."

Western Force Chief Executive Officer Tony Lewis

“The multi-faceted nature of the partnership is built on the foundation of sharing resources to help each other develop and achieve in our respective fields. I can’t wait to see the relationship develop in its many aspects over the next three years.”

The Western Force plays its first home game at Optus Stadium in Perth on March 3.