3 minute read

Five-eighth Jake McIntyre says it was a no-brainer to join the Western Force after spending the past three seasons in Europe.

The Western Force have added depth to their backline by signing former Queensland Reds No.10 Jake McIntyre on a two-year deal.

McIntyre was the top scorer for French top-flight outfit Sporting Union Agenais during his two seasons there before a move to Clermont, and returns to Australia after a three-year stint in Europe.

The former Australian Schoolboys and Australian U-20 representative began his professional career with the Queensland Reds, where he scored more than 100 points from 2015-2017.

The 26-year-old joins the likes of Kyle Godwin, Richard Kahui, Jono Lance, Marcel Brache, and Ian Prior in the Force's backline.

"For me it was a no-brainer to join the Force," McIntyre said.

"I share the ambition the club has shown, and I want to grow with the club to achieve success.

"After talking with players like Brad Lacey, there's obviously a very strong rugby community in WA, which I can't wait to contribute to and be a part of.

"It's rare you find a place where players only have positive things to say, so I think that speaks volumes for the family culture at the club."

Meanwhile, the Melbourne Rebels have re-signed Australian Sevens stars Lewis Holland and Lachlan Anderson.

The pair joined the Rebels prior to the start of the Super Rugby AU season following the postponement of the 2020 Sevens World Series and Olympic Games in Tokyo.

They will play out the 2021 Super Rugby AU season with the Rebels before linking up with the Sevens squad in time for next year's Olympics.

"We've seen how successful the Springbok Sevens players have been in South Africa's domestic Super Rugby competition and I know both of these guys can do the same for us," Rebels coach Dave Wessels said.

"They're great athletes and both pretty tough individuals."