South African backs Peter Grant and Marcel Brache will play for the Force in Australia’s National Rugby Championship this year. 

The Perth Spirit have competed in the NRC since 2014, but will play as the Western Force from this year, after their exit from Super Rugby.

Grant and Brache will also likely be in the mix for the Force’s Indo Pacific Rugby Championship (IPRC) squad. The inaugural tournament kicks off in March 2019.

‘The NRC is a big thing for WA this year. We need a professional element and these two boys will lead the way,’ said former Force captain Matt Hodgson, who is now IPRC head of elite performance.

‘Peter and Marcel were among players left in limbo when the Force was closed, and we always said we would look after boys if opportunities did not arise elsewhere.

‘Both have put time into WA. This is an opportunity for them to continue to be professional athletes in a state they love playing for.

‘They will also work with community rugby to help establish pathways and help us have a rugby voice in WA.

‘When the Force closed, players were left thinking they had to go east or overseas for opportunities. This is the first step to help keep local talent and create pathways and opportunities.

‘Eight Future academy players made their debut in the NRC last year, and that’s what we want to keep going.’

Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images