The Western Force is rapt to confirm the signing of experienced versatile prop Reuben O’Neill on a two year contract.
The tighthead prop joins the Force from the Chiefs, where he debuted in 2020 and brought up his 50th Super Rugby cap for the side earlier in the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season.
O’Neill has clocked up 56 Super Rugby appearances, mainly for the Chiefs with a stint in 2023 with the Crusaders.
New Plymouth-born O’Neill, who can play on both sides of the scrum, caught the eye of All Blacks selectors with his strength and power, earning selection in the wider squad in late 2018.
The front-rower also has plenty of experience with Taranaki in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship.
Force head coach Simon Cron said the Club was thrilled to secure O’Neill’s signature, adding further depth and a “hard-edge attitude” to the side’s forward pack.
Force head coach Simon Cron said the Club was thrilled to secure O’Neill’s signature, adding further depth and a “hard-edge attitude” to the side’s forward pack.
Cron said: “Reuben was a target we approached two years ago but we were unable to get him released at the time."
“One of the areas we had problems with, prior to 2026, was in prop depth. In 2026, it was the first time we’ve really had some good depth in our front row and all those guys performed extremely well.
“Reuben adds to that with experience and a hard-edge attitude towards set-piece. We’re looking forward to getting him here.”
“I’m fizzed up to come over to Perth for the next 2 years, O’Neill said.
It’s a great opportunity and challenge for me personally and something completely new to what I’m used to.
I like what Simon is doing with the team. Watching them play in the last year just shows the work ethic and growth of the team.”
Reuben O’Neill
DOB: 17/2/1995 Position: Prop Height: 183cm
Super Rugby history
Chiefs (51 caps, 2020-2022 & 2024-2026) Crusaders (5 caps, 2023)
