Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force re-sign Divad Palu for two more years after promising start to career

Young Western Force back Divad Palu has re-upped with the Super Rugby Pacific outfit mid-way through his first season, agreeing to extend his stay two more years. The 21-year-old has signed on with the Force until the end of 2027, despite his first season out west being curtailed by a shoulder injury. Palu fought his way into the Force line-up for round one after a promising first pre-season, earning himself a spot on the wing for their round one clash against Moana Pasifika. Force coach Simon Cron said they saw Palu as a long-term player at the club. “He’s an extremely exciting player. He’s got a wide range of skillsets. He’s explosive and powerful,” he said. “If you’ve watched him play, you can see he is talented. We feel like Divad’s ceiling is really high. “He’s constantly wanting to get better and learn. When he takes to the training field or on gameday, he’s always on. “It’s been tough for him with his shoulder injury, but we feel like he’s a massive part of our future going forward. “Culturally, Divad is a great fit. His work ethic, personality and support of his teammates is what we are all about.” Initially signed as a centre, the Wellington-born, Melbourne-raised Palu was similarly happy to re-commit to the Force. “I’ve been loving my time here at the Western Force,” he said. “We’ve got a strong coaching staff and an amazing back-office team supporting the players on and off the field. “I’m looking forward to the next couple years here with a talented and connected group of boys.” Meanwhile, Force back Bayley Kuenzle is set to play his first game since last season as he marks his comeback from a torn ACL this weekend. Kuenzle will play for Associates on restricted minutes against Joondalup Brothers in the Premier Grade in his first match since suffering the knee injury playing Shute Shield club rugby in NSW after the last Super Rugby season. Previously a fly-half or inside centre, Cron shifted Kuenzle to the wing and outside centre, and his form was so impressive he garnered a call-up to Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s training camp ahead of the Rugby Championship.