Western Force announce leadership trio of Jeremy Williams, Ben Donaldson and Nick Champion de Crespigny

When Jeremy Williams was first named Western Force captain as a raw 23 year-old, his vice-captains were seasoned veterans Nic White and Michael Wells. As he returns for a third season as skipper, the now-established Wallaby lock’s trusted lieutenants will be two peers, rather than mentors, in the form of back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny and fly-half Ben Donaldson. But amid the changing of the guard, the Force’s new leadership trio have vowed lead by remaining their authentic selves ahead of the looming 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. They will be supported by a leadership group which features reigning Nathan Sharpe Medalist Tom Robertson, Wallabies great Kurtley Beale and newly-signed former All Black George Bridge. Williams said he had learnt over the past two years authenticity was a vital part of how to be an effective leader. “That’s the best way to lead and that’s something I’ve learned, to just be yourself. You can’t really change when you get in the position; it’s just lead by the way you lead,” he said. “What’s grown is probably my ability to get better at addressing the players or voicing issues, not just leading by action, trying to find that balance there.” Williams said his exposure to Wallabies veterans like James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa over the past few years had also molded his leadership. “They’re big leading on their actions and you’ve got to nail your stuff right first and that’s definitely something I’ve learned; you can’t lead without doing what you say you’re going to do,” he said. “Getting everything right that you need to get right to be able to perform on the field, that’s probably the best way to lead.” When Champion de Crespigny was surprisingly named Wallabies captain for a one-off clash with Japan in October, the four-cap Test forward said he leaned on Williams. “I roomed with Jeremy during the week, and we were able to have lots of discussions and then even out in the field, being able to have guys to have discussions with and chats to spread the load made it a lot easier for myself,” he said. “Hopefully I’m able to take that experience and bring it into this group. We had some very experienced guys with Nic White and James Slipper around the place, and they created an environment that drove high standards. “I just want to be myself, leading the way I’ve done, it was pretty simple. (Wallabies coach) Joe (Schmidt) just said, ‘be yourself’ and I’ve tried to that here as well.” While Champion de Crespigny will handle the forwards, Donaldson will lead the backs and the five-eighth said his on-field position had helped shape his leadership. “You’re leading the boys around the field, you’re making the calls, you’re leading meetings throughout the week,” he said. “That’s probably helped me move into this role. I’m not really going to try to do anything different. I’ll just do what I’ve done previously as a fly-half.” Williams praised his two new vice-captains. “He’s quite calm, Donno, he brings that calm presence to any meeting or a huddle on the field, which makes everyone relax a little bit, takes the pressure off,” he said. “And then Crep, he’s just an absolute beast on the field, leads by his actions.” While Donaldson still lives with Williams, he was quick to nip the notion in the bud Williams was also the captain of their share house. “He’s the skipper here, but definitely not at home.”