Super Rugby W: Western Force sign reigning MVP and Queensland Reds captain Cecilia Smith in major coup

Western Force have poached last year’s Super Rugby W MVP in a major coup just days out from their opening pre-season game.

Last year’s most-valuable player Cecilia Smith, who also plays for Australia, has signed for the club this season.

Smith moves to the Force after captaining Queensland Reds last season in a significant boost for the club’s title hopes.

The 30-year-old has played 16 times for the Wallaroos since her debut in 2022. She captained Queensland Reds last season.

She has scored 10 tries from 28 Super Rugby games.

Smith said she wanted to experience life at a different club in what she admits is the twilight of her career.

“I’m really excited to be signing with the Force. I’ve heard good things about how well this program has progressed and the quality of footy they’ve produced in the last couple of years so I’m keen to experience it myself,” she said.

“I’m near the back end of my career and I’ve always wanted to experience other clubs and the Force was always the club that interests me.”

Smith hopes her move to the Force will be a platform for selection in the Wallaroos’ World Cup squad next year.

“Obviously with the World Cup next year everyone will be pushing for a spot and it’s the goal but I just want to really enjoy my footy, everyone plays good footy when they’re in a happy place plus Trill was always in my ear to come down west,” she said.

The Force play three practice matches in Japan this week.