Western Force have moved to shore up their lock stocks by signing former Australia under-20 international and Melbourne Rebels second-rower Trevor Hosea on a two-year contract.

After the departure of internationally-capped locks Darcy Swan and Franco Molina, the Force needed a partner for Wallabies starter and club skipper Jeremy Williams.

And they hope to have found one in the 204cm Hosea, who returns to Australian shores after three seasons in Japan’s top tier with Tokyo Sungoliath and Mie Honda Heat.

Hosea’s addition adds depth and experience at a position of need for the Force. Swain was an integral part of the Force’s excellent set-piece last year before he received a hefty, three-year contract with Clermont in the Top 14, while Argentinian Molina has signed for Newcastle Red Bulls after impressing with all-round game last season.

The 26 year-old Melbourne-born second-rower returned to Australia earlier this season, where he’s been playing in the NSW Shute Shield with finals-bound Gordon.

Hosea played 33 games for the now-defunct Melbourne Rebels from 2020-2022 and Force coach Simon Cron said his arrival was a necessary one to add depth alongside Williams and Lopeti Faifua.

“We’ve been really targeted in bolstering our second row after Darcy Swain and Franco Molina’s departures, so we’re extremely happy to lock in Trevor,” Cron said.

“We’ve been tracking Trevor since he left Australian shores and headed to Japan. We believe he has an extremely high ceiling and will be a great asset for the Western Force as well as having the potential to put himself into international contention.

“He’s a powerful, strong and mobile athlete who will work really well with Jeremy Williams and Lopeti Faifua.”

Hosea was excited to return to Australian rugby and thrilled by the new challenge in the west.

“I’m real keen to join the Sea of Blue,” Hosea said. “I’m really happy to be coming back to Australian rugby. It’s an exciting time in my life and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.

“Coming back from Japan, I’m excited to play some attacking rugby. It’s an exciting brand of footy in Super Rugby and playing against some of the best in the world really excites me to push myself and bring out the best in me.

“I’m excited to get to Perth as it’s a beautiful place with beautiful beaches and a great bunch of lads at the club. It’ll be somewhere where I can bring my family and enjoy ourselves.

“I’m always excited for a new challenge and a new environment. I’m looking forward to meeting the boys, coaches and fans and putting my best foot forward to leaving the jersey in a better place.”