On This Day: Nathan Sharpe announced as foundation Force captain

Wed, Dec 11, 2024, 11:45 PM
BS
by Ben Somerford
On this day, 19 years ago in 2005, a few months out from the Force's first Super Rugby season, Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe was named the Club's inaugural captain.

On this day in 2005, Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe was publicly announced as the Western Force’s foundation captain for the 2006 Super 14 season.

"This is a great moment for me. I will do everything in my power to honour the position," Sharpe said in a statement put out on December 12 2005.

Sharpe’s appointment wasn’t a major surprise. He was the Wallabies vice-captain at the time, he’d also skippered the Reds in 2005 and had 41 international caps to his name at that point.

He actually got the gig during a pre-season team camp on Rottnest Island, with the decision announced internally.

Inaugural Force head coach John Mitchell said: "Nathan is tough and uncompromising and has the respect and loyalty of all his team-mates. He's a decision maker both on and off the field but is humble and ready to listen."

Nathan Sharpe leading out the Force in the Club's first game against the Brumbies in 2006 in front of 38,000 fans at Subiaco Oval
Nathan Sharpe leading out the Force in the Club's first game against the Brumbies in 2006 in front of 38,000 fans at Subiaco Oval

Hindsight shows the decision was sound. Sharpe would serve the Force for seven seasons, making 92 Super Rugby appearances for the Club.

Known as a team-first and approachable player by his teammates, Sharpe played an integral role in forming the family-first Western Force culture that lives on today.

Sharpe enjoyed a phenomenal 12-year Wallabies career, which included 166 Test caps, three World Cup campaigns (2003, 2007 and 2011), two John Eales Medals (best Australian rugby union player - 2007 and 2012) and 10 Tests as captain.

Sharpe's unquestionable impact has seen him immortalised with the club's best and fairest award for the men's team named in his honour - the Nathan Sharpe Medal.

As part of the 20th season celebrations, we’ll bring more stories like this from the Force’s history across the next 12 months.

Become a 2025 Force Member to celebrate the club’s 20th season milestone. 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.

Nathan Sharpe also had a great connection with the Force fans
Nathan Sharpe also had a great connection with the Force fans

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