The Western Force have signed one-cap Wallaby prop Harry Johnson-Holmes from the Waratahs.
The 27-year-old has a close relationship with Force coach Simon Cron – having worked with him at the Tahs and Australia under 20 level.
Johnson-Holmes made 91 appearances for the Tahs and scored 11 tries after debuting at Super Rugby level in 2018. His sole Test was against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2019.
Johnson-Holmes said in a statement: “I’m excited about the move west. After seven years with the Waratahs, I felt like it was time for a change of scenery. I have admired the direction the Force are taking things.
“I’ve worked with Cronny previously at the Australia U20s and when I debuted at the Waratahs, and I always thought of him as a great mind and coach which played a part in my decision.
“I also played alongside a lot of current Force players at the Tahs, whose feedback was really positive about the Club and the direction its heading and how the environment is helping them develop as footballers.”
Johnson-Holmes, who is currently fighting back after an Achilles injury, believes he can add plenty to the Force and also continue to develop his own game.
“Next year may be my eighth in Super Rugby, but I know I’ve got plenty left to learn and a strong desire to keep bettering myself as a player,” he said.
“The feedback from players on how the environment is helping them develop as footballers is what excites me most about the club.
Harry Johnson-Holmes (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
“I’ve got a bit of experience under my belt now with 90-odd Super Rugby caps, and I am hoping I can use that to help contribute towards what is looking to be an exciting chapter for the Force as a club.
“That hunger for success is always burning bright, and I get the sense that success in Perth is just around the corner.”
Force head coach Simon Cron added “I’ve been lucky enough to coach Harry through Australian U20s as well as his first two years in Super Rugby. He is an extremely driven and competitive human who always has a team first mentality.
“At scrum time, Harry has the ability to play both sides, tight and loose, which is extremely unique and a real skillset.
“We have really needed depth to give us some options in the front row. Harry is a big part of this alongside the recruitment of Nic Dolly and Brandon Paenga-Amosa as well as the return of Tom Robertson from his sabbatical at Oxford.
“He will add a lot of value to our team, and we are looking forward to having Harry, and his partner Mia, settle in the west.”
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