Hometown fullback sticks with Force
Western Force fullback Dane Haylett-Petty has re-signed for a further two seasons with the Super Rugby club.
The 25-year-old local product returned to the Force last season after three seasons playing in France and Japan.
Haylett-Petty said he was excited to be “hanging around” for another two years.
“Obviously this is home for me and I love being in Perth with my family and friends and love pulling on the Force jersey with a great group of boys,” he said.
“I feel like my game is really developing and it’s just a really exciting time to be with the club. I’m really looking forward to the next couple of years.
“The start to the season was always going to be a big challenge for us, but we still feel like there has been improvement in how we’ve been performing.
“The club is definitely heading in the right direction. We’ve got a great team at the moment, we’ve got excellent coaches and the support staff are fantastic.”
Western Force coach Michael Foley said Haylett-Petty would play an important role in the next two seasons.
“Since returning to the club Dane is developing into a key member of our match 23,” Foley said.
“He is always looking for ways to threaten the opposition and, to that end, the work he’s putting into his decision-making is allowing him to have an increasing impact on games.”
The club confirmed that second-rower Sam Wykes will leave for Japan at the end of the season.
Wykes, who will join winger Nick Cummins at Coca Cola Red Sparks, made his debut for the Force in 2008 and has played 81 matches.
Foley said he would continue to make a significant contribution to the Force.
“Sam is a player that has grown considerably over the past three seasons,” he said.
“His commitment to the team as a player and leader have earned him respect across the entire organisation.
“Sam, like Hodgo (Matt Hodgson) and Pek (Pek Cowan), have shown great loyalty to the team, the club and our supporters, often in difficult times.
“We’re disappointed to see him head overseas, we’re all looking forward to ripping in with him over the next nine games.”
