Force bolster lock stocks with signing of former Wallaby

The Western Force have added experience to their lock stocks with the signing of 16-cap Wallaby Sam Carter for the remainder of the season.

Carter, who stands at 201cm tall, joins the Force from English Premiership Rugby club Leicester Tigers.

The former Wallabies lock earned 122 Super Rugby caps for the ACT Brumbies between 2011 and 2019, before stints in Ireland with Ulster (2019-2023) and most recently England with Leicester (2023-2024).

Carter, 34, was part of the Wallabies’ squad at the 2015 World Cup. He followed in his father David’s footsteps in representing Australia at Test level.

Force head coach Simon Cron said Carter’s addition offered quality and experience to the squad.

“Sam’s quality is known as an ex-Wallabies lock and he’s ready to go, having been playing over at Leicester in England,” Cron said.

“One of the areas we’ve been thin during the pre-season and into this season is the availability of tight-five forwards and Sam helps allay that. He gives us a genuine lock option, with Izack Rodda and Felix Kalapu still not available for training or games.

“Sam also brings with him a wealth of experience, big-game mentality and genuine height. Plus he has been playing already in-season with Leicester, so he’s fit and available. He’ll be great around the team with his experience.”

Carter arrived in Perth early last week and said he was thrilled to make the move to the west.

“I’m excited to be joining the force for the rest of the season,” Carter said. “My family and I are looking forward to the opportunity to come home to Australia.

“I think I bring a lot of experience and rugby knowledge and I’m keen to add to what the Force are building.

“It’s an exciting young squad with a lot of potential and it’s great to be back in the Australian rugby environment.”