In a win for Australian rugby, rising Wallabies talent Jeremy Williams has turned down offers overseas to stay put with the Western Force through to the 2027 World Cup.
After a breakout season with the Wallabies, where the 24-year-old earned ten caps and started regularly under Joe Schmidt in his first season in gold, Williams put himself on the international map.
A stunning finish at Twickenham, where he scored out wide shortly after half time against England, and dominated the air from kick restarts, ensured there was plenty of interest in the softly spoken leader who made massive inroads at the Force after joining the Super Rugby franchise in 2023.
Jeremy Williams was the Wallabies’ breakthrough player of 2024. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
It’s no surprise therefore that Rugby Australia was keen to lock the second-rower down – and the Force captain obliged, penning a new two-year deal.
“I’m really pleased to be able to re-commit my future to the Western Force and Australian rugby,” Williams said in a statement.
“Since moving to Perth I certainly feel I’ve developed as a player and a person and there’s a number of people here at the Western Force to thank for that.
“I know I have a lot more growth in me and I’ll be working hard to ensure I give myself the best opportunity to be part of what’s an extremely exciting and rare period coming up here in Australian rugby.”
Rugby Australia director of high performance Peter Horne was equally thrilled after seeing a couple of fellow young Wallabies decide to head overseas in recent months, including Langi Gleeson and Tom Hooper.
“Jeremy’s re-commitment is a positive for supporters of the Western Force and Australian rugby,” Horne said.
“He’s a great young player at the start of his international career and a strong ambassador for our game off the field. We’re looking forward to watching him continue to grow and work hard in the Australian system.”
Horne is likely to turn his attention to pinning down Williams’ second-row partner Nick Frost, with the off-contract Brumby attracting plenty of attention across the globe, including in Japan, where he previously was allowed to get out of a deal with Robbie Deans’ Wild Knights.
He isn’t the only with either, with the Reds in a fight to keep hold of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. But with Rugby Australia still intent on not bowing to financial pressures abroad, it won’t be easy.
Rugby Australia have pinned down Jeremy Williams, but will they be able to keep Nick Frost and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto? (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Force coach Simon Cron, who was influential in luring Williams west after seeing him grow the Sydney ranks and the Waratahs, added that he was thrilled that the second-row had developed into the leader he was.
“It’s awesome that Jeremy has chosen Perth as his home and the Western Force as his Super Rugby team,” said Cron, who is entering his third year as head coach.
“He is an amazing leader, a great human and a massive part of our environment. The coaching staff, management and players love him being here, so we’re thrilled to have him re-sign and continue to bring his enthusiasm and drive to the program.
“It’s been really exciting to watch his progression and to see him wearing the gold jersey. Our job now is to help him to continue his journey and be the best he can be.
“We’re definitely looking forward to him leading our team again.”
“It’s awesome that Jeremy has chosen Perth as his home and the Western Force as his Super Rugby team.”
Williams will run out for the Force in their final pre-season hit out of the year on Friday as they take on the Brumbies in Canberra.
