Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force sign former All Black George Bridge on multi-year deal
The 19-time All Black and six-time Super Rugby champion has signed for Force on a two-year deal after three seasons with Montpellier in France's Top 14.
Bridge's arrival follows the exit of Waratahs-bound talisman Harry Potter, and should give the Force a worthy counterpart to Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch.
30 year-old Bridge last played for New Zealand in 2021 but has scored 12 tries for the All Blacks, including two in four games at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and one in their 38-21 win over the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in 2021.
At domestic level, the prolific Bridge clocked up 37 tries in 82 Super Rugby games for the Crusaders — including 15 in the 2018 season alone — and grabbed 11 tries across 48 matches for Montpellier.
With Potter gone, Bridge and Pietsch should form an imposing back three for the Force alongside Mac Grealy, who enjoyed a strong debut season out west.
Force coach Simon Cron was thrilled to secure a player of Bridge's calibre and praised his professionalism and rugby IQ.
'George is well known to a number of people on our staff and they can't speak highly enough of his professionalism, approach to the game and his rugby knowledge,' he said.
'He's got a massive left foot kick. He can play multiple positions. He's a brilliant player. An amazing talent.
'We know when we have injuries, it's important we have depth so we can progress deep into Super Rugby finals.
'He's got a huge amount to give. He's been playing at Montpellier at Top 14 level. I know a few NZ franchises were chasing him hard, but he wanted to join the Force.'
Bridge, who will arrive in Perth in November after the Force's off-season Super Rugby AUS campaign, said he was excited to head to WA.
'They're a club heading in the right direction and I'm keen to take on the new challenge and contribute to the club's success,' he said.
'I've always loved my time in Perth, and with friends and good connections among the staff and players, it felt like the right fit.'
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