Western Force have parted ways with rising midfielder Henry O’Donnell and a quartet of forward options as they Super Rugby outfit retools their squad for next season.
It follows last week’s departure of dependable lock Tom Franklin, who recently re-signed with the Force but has headed to France following an offer from Top 14 club Pau.
O’Donnell has returned to Sydney to play for the Waratahs after an impressive Shute Shield campaign, and will be joined by prop Siosifa Amone.
Perth product Ollie Callan has also departed the club, while props Angus Wagner and Charlie Hancock — neither of whom featured last season — have left the Force too.
The loss of Franklin, who played nine games last season, is a blow, but one softened by the re-signing of Sam Carter and addition of fringe Wallaby Darcy Swain in the second row.
Captain Jeremy Williams has also re-signed with the club for 2025, despite speculation his contract was coming to an end.
With the departure of the five forwards, as well as star second-rower Izack Rodda and veteran tight-head Santiago Medrano, it will be a much different looking forward pack for the Force next season.
They have bolstered their front-row depth by signing Test hookers Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Nic Dolly, prop Harry Johnson-Holmes, while also welcoming back Wallaby Tom Robertson.
Their back-row has also been strengthened by the arrivals of Nick Champion de Crespigny and Vaiolini Eskuasi.
The loss of centre O’Donnell, however, will string, after he built on his five games for the Force by playing an important part in Northern Sububrs’ run to the Shute Shield final.
Initially signed on a 12-month deal, the 21 year-old elected to return home, and will be joined by Amone, who missed all of last season for the Force through injury.
Callan, the Wanneroo product and Force Academy graduate, departed after playing six times last season, finding himself stuck behind Carlo Tizzano at openside flanker.
Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman thanked Wagner and Callan, who had served long terms with the club.
“Angus and Ollie both made really strong contributions during their time with the club and will be missed,” Goodman said.
“Angus provided great service to the club starting out in Global Rapid Rugby and really finding his feet at Super Rugby level.
“Ollie is a homegrown product who was always loyal to the Force and embodied our values as a hard-working player with a hard edge.”
Wagner said he would miss the Force and was proud of his five-year tenure with the club.
“There were plenty of special memories at the Force, including debuting in Super Rugby and making the Australian finals in 2021,” he said.
“I’m also grateful towards the fans for their support. I really felt like they embraced me and I’m sad to leave Perth.”