Force snap up Castle

Force snap up Castle

31 Jan 2009

The Western Force have signed former Chiefs prop Ben Castle as their first marquee signing for this year’s Super 14.

Castle, a former junior All Black, represents the Force’s first signing under the new law which allows Australian franchises to sign two players who are ineligible to represent the Wallabies.

Castle, who was recently plying his trade with Toulon in the French Top 14 becomes the second high-profile Kiwi to cross the Tasman after former All Blacks flanker Danial Braid was snapped up by the Queensland Reds last year.

The 1.85m and 115kg Castle has 42 Super rugby caps and will provide the Force with experience and solidity in the front row. 

“Ben brings a wealth of Super 14 experience and he is a well respected New Zealand provincial player,” said Force Rugby GM Mitch Hardy. “He will add immediate value to our playing ranks and will also have a significant role in the development of our young props.

“We made no secret of the fact that we were looking for an experienced tighthead over the off-season, and when Ben approached us with an interest in coming to Western Australia we were quick to act.”

Coach John Mitchell believes Castle will prove to be a great addition to the Force squad.

“He’s an old-school type of prop who will be a good fit for our squad,” said Mitchell. “He will add experience and depth to our ranks, alongside fellow tightheads AJ Whalley, Troy Takiari and Kieran Longbottom.

“He’s renowned as a strong scrummager and will have benefited from his season in France.”


10 Comments

  • 1.wp_boytjie: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2009, 09:06 am

    must be a reason why im king of the castle

  • 2.church - like chch but pronounceable: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2009, 09:21 am

    The Force have done better than the Reds in those deals

  • 3.grant10: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2009, 09:40 am

    stormers need a 3 as back up to mujati….come home cj or bj!!! pleeeezzzeee!!!

  • 4.Loosehead: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2009, 10:01 am

    #3 grant10: The Stormers need a back up who can scrum on both sides. Problem solved.

  • 5.TheTackler: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2009, 10:36 am

    The Stormers need a tight five.

  • 6.RedLion roars again: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2009, 10:43 am

    #5 TheTackler:

    Tackler or should I say edge66. Why you posting under a 2nd nic. Too ashamed to post as old Tackler?

  • 7.Gaff: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2009, 10:45 am

    Bulls need a tight 5.

  • 8.Pietman: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2009, 13:48 pm

    #6 RedLion roars again:
    Nope, not Tackler.
    He has never double nick-ed in the four years that I have known him.
    And also, he would have known better than to post that rubbish about Federer.
    Tackler knows Roger’s mom is from Kempton Park, as I pointed out there on the other thread.
    edge66 is a Capie, for sure, won’t be surprised at all is he and provinceboytjie aka Khoisanking live and blog together from Waainburg.

  • 9.cane: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2009, 13:51 pm

    But will Mitch be permitted to speak to Benny.

  • 10.Disa: Reply to this comment
    2 Feb 2009, 06:31 am

    Wed julle AJ en Wylie kos nog meer as Castle ook

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

Have your say

You must be logged in to post a comment.