Ex-Wallaby answers SOS call to join Force
Former Wallaby Sam Carter is excited to return to Super Rugby after his sudden arrival at the Force. Carter was playing for the Leicester Tigers just 11 days in the Premiership Rugby Cup Final, going down to Gloucester before the call came from Force coach Simon Cron.
With injuries to Izack Rodda (thigh), Jeremy Williams (calf) and Felix Kalapu (hamstring), the 34-year-old is likely to come straight into the side for Saturday’s clash against the Fijian Drua.
“It all happened pretty quickly because I was mid-season with the Leicester Tigers and this opportunity came up with the Force down a couple of locks,” Carter said to reporters.
“It happened in about eight days and I took the opportunity and took my family and I’m excited to be back in Australia. “I’d spoken to Cron a little bit over that time, but it all happened so quickly that he just wants me to be myself and bring the experience and knowledge and fit in with the group as best I can.
“I’m excited to get back in with the guys. I played only about 10 days ago anyway, so I’m fit and ready to go.
“I’m just picking up the systems and the way the Force does things. Hopefully, I can dive straight back into it.” He comes into a Force side full of confidence after their win over the Queensland Reds to open their account for 2024. Carter last played Super Rugby for the Brumbies in 2019, when the Drua were in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) and talks of a Super Rugby inclusion hadn’t begun.
It’ll be a stark change in climate for the second-rower from the middle of England as they head to Laukota for their inaugural game in Fiji.
“It’s going to be a tough task with the Fijians at home,” Carter added.
“It’s a different climate, atmosphere so they’ll be a tough team but I’m certain this team has the potential to match it.” The Force will be without Will Harris after he failed a HIA during their win over the Queensland Reds, offset by the return of Marley Pearce from a suspension.