Chiefs tighthead prop Reuben O’Neill has signed a two-year contract with the Western Force ahead of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The versatile prop joins the Force from the Chiefs, where he made his debut in 2020 and brought up his 50th Super Rugby cap for the side earlier this season.
O’Neill has made 56 Super Rugby appearances, primarily for the Chiefs, with a stint at the Crusaders in 2023.
Born in New Plymouth, O’Neill can play on both sides of the scrum and caught the eye of All Blacks selectors with his strength and power, earning selection in the wider squad in late 2018.
The front-rower also boasts extensive experience with Taranaki in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship.
Force head coach Simon Cron says the club is thrilled to secure O’Neill’s signature, adding further depth and a “hard-edge attitude” to the side’s forward pack.
Cron says O’Neill was a player they targeted two years ago, but they were unable to secure his release at the time.
He adds that prop depth had been an area of concern before 2026, but this season marked the first time the Force had genuine depth in the front row, with all of their props performing strongly.
O’Neill says he is "fizzed up" about moving to Perth for the next two years, describing it as a great opportunity, a personal challenge, and something completely new compared to what he has been used to.
Source: rugby.com.au
