New Western Force recruit Matt Proctor says he believes something special is brewing in the west.
The one-cap All Blacks utility back arrived in Perth late last week with his partner and kids, before joining Force pre-season which started on Monday.
Proctor signed with the Force in the off-season after spending last campaign with the ill-fated Melbourne Rebels following previous stints with Northampton Saints (2019-2023) and the Hurricanes (2013-2019).
The 32-year-old won the Super Rugby title in 2016 with the Hurricanes, leading to his maiden New Zealand call-up, scoring on debut in 2018 against Japan.
Perth is now the next stop in his rugby journey and he’s excited about joining the Force.
“I was obviously with the Rebels last year and the unfortunate situation that happened down there but that opened doors for this new opportunity,” Proctor told 6PR.
“I had a few conversations with Crono (head coach Simon Cron) early on. I liked what he had to say. We’ve got similar values and we aligned on a lot.
“I feel like the Force have been brewing something special over the last couple of years. Hopefully I can come here and add to that and we can get some success.”
Listen to the full interview on 6PR here
Proctor admitted last season with the Rebels was a “stressful time” but said the Force move provided some “light at the end of the tunnel”.
After a fruitful four seasons with English Premiership club Northampton where he played 72 times and scored 12 tries, Proctor was restricted to only five games with the Rebels last term due to injuries. But he’s fighting fit now and excited to crack into some Super Rugby.
“Getting back to playing Super Rugby has always been something that drew me back,” Proctor said.
“The excitement of Super Rugby is someone you always want to be a part of. It marries us nicely because the Force play an exciting brand of rugby.”
Force 2025 Super Rugby Memberships are on sale NOW for seven home games + Super W games from $170 per adult, while there’s FREE Junior Force Memberships for one child under 15 with a paying adult.
Proctor admitted the Perth heat had been a shock to the system as Force pre-season started off in the WA sunshine but he was bullish he’d adapt quickly.
Looking forward, he was already excited about the prospect of potentially facing off against his younger brother, All Blacks and Hurricanes back Billy Proctor, when the two sides meet at HBF Park in Round 10.
“Looking forward to it,” he said. “I haven’t actually played against my little brother before.
“It’s a weird one. I don’t know how I’ll feel if it is to eventuate. We’ll just have to wait and see.
“We’re competitive in everything. We always have been. It’ll be an interesting night if we get to lock horns.”
Force 2025 Super Rugby Memberships are on sale NOW for seven home games + Super W games from $170 per adult, while there’s FREE Junior Force Memberships for one child under 15 with a paying adult.
