Urayasu D-Rocks renews partnership with Western Force

League One division one newcomers Urayasu D-Rocks has renewed their strategic partnership with Australian Super Rugby Pacific outfit Western Force.

Representatives from Greig Laidlaw’s D-Rocks and Perth-based Force, who finished 10th last season, met at Force’s headquarters two weeks ago to exchange information around strengthening their ties and business ideas.

The teams played a two-game series in Japan in 2022 as part of their partnership and have committed to holding further friendly matches and joint training camps.

There will also be discussions about potentially connecting their respective commercial partners and opportunities for player and coach development at all levels.  

Western Force and the D-Rocks renewed their partnership during a meeting in Perth

Western Force’s director of strategic projects Matt Hodgson (above) said: “Our ongoing relationship with Urayasu D-Rocks has been beneficial for both clubs, sharing ideas, different perspectives and commercial interests.

“Our 2022 tour allowed both clubs to connect at many levels from the high-performance area to commercial workings and it was great to continue that with this month’s visit. This partnership will help both organisations continue to grow and develop.”

Urayasu D-Rocks general director Hirofumi Uchiyama (above) said: “The discussions with the Western Force have been very useful.

"We believe that the open exchanging of opinions from both sides, not only in the area of strengthening both teams, but also in the areas of promotion, careers and sustainability will be valuable for both teams.

“We hope that the actions and achievements of both teams will contribute to the success of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. We would like to express our respect and gratitude to the team officials for their hospitality.”

The highly-ambitious Chiba-based D-Rocks have made a number of eye-catching signings this summer including the Springboks' talented loose forward Jasper Wiese whose arrived from Leicester Tigers while Japan stalwart Hendrik Tui looks like a shrewd signing from Suntory Sungoliath.

Wiese and Tui join a squad that is replete with standout players such as Wallabies veteran Samu Kerevi and Japan centre Samisoni Tua.

Scottish great Laidlaw, 38, will be the second youngest head coach in Japan's top-flight behind newly-appointed Suntory boss Kosei Ono who is 37.

D-Rocks open their 2024-25 season away at Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars on Sunday 22 December.

Picture courtesy of Urayasu D-Rocks and Western Force