Force sign loose forward Vaiolini Ekuasi ahead of 2025 season

Wester Force have announced the signing of loose forward Vaiolini Ekuasi ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Ekuasi made his professional rugby debut with provincial side Auckland in 2021 and played for Blues in 2022 before switching to Melbourne Rebels a year later.

The 22-year-old has racked up 27 appearances for Rebels across two seasons and now will link up with the pre-season training of Force.

“I’m pretty excited about a new beginning and a new environment. It’s a point of difference for myself," he told the club's official website.

“Speaking to Crono, I’m drawn to the Force by their vision and where the Club is headed with their shift of players. I can see there’s good things happening.

“I’m excited to be able to bring my style of play into the Force environment and leave a mark as Crono told me he needs a street fighter, which is a role I’m keen to take on.”

Force head coach Simon Cron is pleased with Ekuasi joining the squad ahead of the new season.

“He’s explosive and powerful. His preferred position is number 8 but can play six and seven so he gives us some coverage," he said.

“We need to add some street fighters to our team and he sits in that category. When he hits people, they stay hit. You’ve seen that we need that against some of the bigger teams this year.

“Personality wise he is a really lovely guy, humble and driven to be successful. He’s a guy that we want here at the club for 2025 and into the future.”