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Western Force players on the move as new-look Super Rugby squad starts to take shape

Nick TaylorThe West Australian
The Western Force are hopeful of keeping Michael McDonald.
Camera IconThe Western Force are hopeful of keeping Michael McDonald. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Western Force full-back Jack McGregor and hooker Andrew Ready will not be back for the next Super Rugby Pacific season.

Meanwhile, young scrum-half Michael McDonald is set to make a call on his future.

The former junior Wallabies captain, who is not in the Australia ‘A’ squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, also qualifies for Ireland.

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He is looking at both international options but the Australia ‘A’ camp deny McDonald was ignored because he had not made a decision on which path he wants to take.

Being capped for Australia ‘A’ would rule him out of representing Ireland.

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The Force, confident of keeping McDonald, already have Australia’s fastest No.9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and are set to announce stalwart Ian Prior on a new deal.

They have also added junior Wallaby No.8 Pat Maka from the Brumbies to their top-tier academy.

McGregor joined the club five years ago from the Melbourne Rebels for Global Rapid Rugby.

The former Australian schoolboy, under-20 representative and NSW schoolboys captain, announced his departure on Instagram.

“After five years with the @westernforce it’s time to say goodbye,” he said.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Andrew Ready looks on during the round 12 Super Rugby Pacific match between the Western Force and the Crusaders at HBF Park on May 07, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Camera IconAndrew Ready has left the Western Force. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“Grateful I got the chance to live out my dream in Perth and met a bunch of friends who now feel like family. Been a wild ride since day one. Excited for some time back home.”

Ready, who has also been with the club since GRR, also took to social media to confirm his departure.

“End of another chapter,” he said.

“What a memorable 4 years I’ve had here in the Wild West!”

Three international veterans, All Blacks Jeremy Thrush and Richard Kahui and Wallaby Greg Holmes have retired while others who will not be back next year include Irish qualified winger Byron Ralston who has gone to Connacht and fly-half Jake McIntyre and centre Kyle Godwin who are moving to France.

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