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Cape Town - The Force have added some firepower to their forward pack next season with the re-signing of hooker Anaru Rangi.
The abrasive rake was brought into the side last year, after the Force were struck down with injury, and proved himself ready for Super Rugby.
Rangi has then worked tirelessly to improve his set piece skills and prepared himself for a professional rugby career.
The Nedlands representative has played three matches this season in what has been a competitive position to lock down with club stalwart Heath Tessmann and Wallaby Tatafu Polota-Nau commanding the position, but Rangi says the competitiveness for the jersey is important to his development.
“This year has been a big learning curve, just figuring out what it means to be a professional rugby player, the discipline and the dedication mainly. Now that I have that under my belt it’s prepared me well for the next two seasons.
“There is a lot of competition with guys that have played a lot of Super Rugby but I like to think that it drives me to be better and I have learnt a lot off those guys.”
Rangi couldn’t speak highly enough about his time with the Force so far in his career and says that he’s grateful to sign for two more seasons.
“I’m stoked to sign with the Force for another two years, I’ve really enjoyed my first year and I’m happy to be staying on.
“I definitely see my future in Western Australia after getting to this point after playing for ‘Neddies’ and the [Perth] Spirit. Now the Force is my home and I can’t wait to represent the blue jersey in the coming years.”
Western Force Forwards Coach Joe Barakat says that there is plenty to like about Anaru Rangi and is excited about the prospect of just how good this man could be.
“Anaru is tough as nails and uncompromising in everything that he does,” he said. “He lifts the intensity when he’s on the pitch, there are no prisoners in the game that he plays.”
“He brings a fantastic mentality to his game, and he just doesn’t like finishing second and having that in your team is crucial.”
Rangi will be pushing his case for the final two games of the season, including the Round 15 clash against ‘Aussie’ rivals the Melbourne Rebels on Friday, 7 July at the Force Field.
