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Cottrell pens new Force deal

Cape Town - Angus Cottrell has recommitted to the Western Force on a two-year deal which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

The hardnosed back-row featured in all but one of the club’s matches in 2016 and was one of the Force’s most consistent forwards carrying the ball with strength and attacking the contact area with spectacular aggression.
 
After making his debut in 2012, Cottrell earned his 50th Western Force cap against the Crusaders in April and says he is thrilled to be staying on for another two seasons.
 
"I’m very excited to sign with the Force for another two years," he told the Force's official website. 

"As I’ve said in the past Perth is my home for rugby and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else."
 
Cottrell’s name was brought up in Wallaby discussions earlier in the season but he says his focus is solely on the Force at the moment.
 
"For every player I think Wallabies is a goal but for the moment I’m just focused on getting back from injury and getting my body back in the right shape so I can put my best foot forward for the Force," he added. 

"As a team last season we didn’t finish where we wanted to so I’m looking forward to helping us pick up some more wins.
 
"We have a good core group of players and we’ve had a few good signings that I think will really make an impact for us next season, there is definitely a sense of excitement about what the future holds."
 
Western Force interim head coach Dave Wessels said the re-signing of Cottrell was a priority for the club.
 
"Gussy is developing as a strong leader within our group and he brings a lot to the team both on and off the field," he said. 

"Over the last 12 months he's also built a consistency to his performances at both blindside and number eight.
 
"We're delighted that he's decided to stay with and we see him as an integral part of what we are trying to build towards over the next two years."

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