The Western Force have signed one-cap Wallaby prop Harry Johnson-Holmes from the Waratahs while the Reds have also made a couple of key pick ups – and they could debut against Wales on Friday.
Wallaby prop Matt Gibbon and winger Lachie Anderson have joined the Reds from the defunct Rebels and they have arrived in time to be included in the tour match against Wales.
The 27-year-old HJH has a close relationship with Force coach Simon Cron – having worked with him at the Tahs and Australia under 20 level.
Johnson-Holmes made 91 appearances for the Tahs and scored 11 tries after debuting at Super Rugby level in 2018. His sole Test was against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2019.
Johnson-Holmes said in a statement: “I’m excited about the move west. After seven years with the Waratahs, I felt like it was time for a change of scenery. I have admired the direction the Force are taking things.
“I’ve worked with Cronny previously at the Australia U20s and when I debuted at the Waratahs, and I always thought of him as a great mind and coach which played a part in my decision.
“I also played alongside a lot of current Force players at the Tahs, whose feedback was really positive about the Club and the direction its heading and how the environment is helping them develop as footballers.”
Johnson-Holmes, who is currently fighting back after an Achilles injury, believes he can add plenty to the Force and also continue to develop his own game.
“Next year may be my eighth in Super Rugby, but I know I’ve got plenty left to learn and a strong desire to keep bettering myself as a player,” he said.
“The feedback from players on how the environment is helping them develop as footballers is what excites me most about the club.
Harry Johnson-Holmes (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
“I’ve got a bit of experience under my belt now with 90-odd Super Rugby caps, and I am hoping I can use that to help contribute towards what is looking to be an exciting chapter for the Force as a club.
“That hunger for success is always burning bright, and I get the sense that success in Perth is just around the corner.”
Force head coach Simon Cron added “I’ve been lucky enough to coach Harry through Australian U20s as well as his first two years in Super Rugby. He is an extremely driven and competitive human who always has a team first mentality.
“At scrum time, Harry has the ability to play both sides, tight and loose, which is extremely unique and a real skillset.
“We have really needed depth to give us some options in the front row. Harry is a big part of this alongside the recruitment of Nic Dolly and Brandon Paenga-Amosa as well as the return of Tom Robertson from his sabbatical at Oxford.
“He will add a lot of value to our team, and we are looking forward to having Harry, and his partner Mia, settle in the west.”
Meanwhile the Reds have announced the signings of Gibbon and Anderson.
Agreeing to join the Queensland Reds for 2025 triggers the availability of the talented duo for the Reds’ big Friday night clash against Wales at Suncorp Stadium.
“This is like a full circle moment for me. As a kid who played for Nudgee College and Queensland Schoolboys, playing for the Reds has always been an end goal,” said Gibbon, who grew up in the northern NSW town of Alstonville.
Gibbon, 29, and Anderson, 26, were both high-performers in the 2024 Rebels side which reached the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals for the first time.
Gibbon’s brother Alex played for the Reds in 2016.
“Life took me along a different path to six years with the Rebels and the highlights of my time in Melbourne,” said Gibbon, who has played six Tests.
“Obviously, it has been a pretty tumultuous year for everyone involved at the Rebels so it feels awesome to have my future settled for my young family.
“I see a very professional outfit at the Reds. I’m ecstatic because (Reds head coach) Les Kiss made me feel wanted from our first conversations after I’d been kicking stones for a month.
“The Reds have a big game against Wales. If ever the Welsh are going to try to comeback with spirit and a big forward effort, this is the one.”
“I’m excited to be staying involved in Australian rugby,” said Anderson, a skilful outside back who played rugby sevens for Australia in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics.
“What really connected with me is the expansive, running style that the Reds are building and being a part of that.
“It can never be underestimated what having clarity on your future can do for your on-field performances.
“There have been some stressful months this year for everyone involved at the Rebels so to have this certainly means I can concentrate on being a better footy player.”