Former Crusaders hooker Ben Funnell has been handed the chance to add a final chapter to his Super Rugby career after signing with the Western Force.
Funnell played 89 Super games for the Crusaders between 2011 to 2019, which included a major role in their charge to the 2017 crown.
The 33-year-old scored five tries in 16 games in that title-winning campaign, and he more recently played 11 of 12 games for Canterbury in their run to the 2023 National Provincial Championship semi-finals.
Funnell will add experience and depth to the Force's hooking options, which already include three-cap Wallaby Feleti Kaitu’u and Tom Horton.
"The hooker position is one we’re trying to build depth in," Force coach Simon Cron said.
"We’ve got some exciting talent in that position in our (academy) who we think will be great in the future.
"But Ben’s recruitment provides someone in the interim who can add to the group and the culture with his knowledge and experience."
Funnell wasn't sure whether he'd get the chance to play Super Rugby again after leaving the Crusaders.
"I was just playing it by ear. I wasn't too worried either way," he said in Perth on Tuesday.
But when Cron came knocking, Funnell knew the Force would be a good fit.
"Definitely Simon Cron was an influence and talked me into it," Funnell said.
"He spoke the same lingo as me. That was the attraction.
"When I say the same language, I think the way he wants to play the game is the way I understand it."
Funnell arrived in Perth over the weekend and has already joined Force training, with a view to playing in Saturday’s pre-season trial game against the ACT Brumbies at Revo Fitness Stadium in Claremont.
Perth is expected to swelter through a top of 40C on Friday, 41C on Saturday and 40C on Sunday.
"It's a different kind of heat here," said Funnell, who hails from New Zealand.
"You can breathe alright, it's dry. But I've never experienced 40 degrees."
The Force posted a 21-19 trial win over the Reds in Queensland last week.
Their season begins on February 23 against the Hurricanes in Perth.
