Former All Black joins the Western Force
- Dave Worsley
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 7
The Western Force have confirmed 19-time All Blacks winger and six-time Super Rugby champion George Bridge will play for the side on a two-year contract.
Bridge, 30, joins the Force after spending the past three seasons with Montpellier in France’s Top 14 where he also played in the European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
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He was part of New Zealand’s 2019 World Cup squad and is a four-time Super Rugby champion and two-time Super Rugby Aotearoa winner from his six-year stint with the Crusaders.
During the 2019 World Cup, Bridge started four of the All Blacks’ games, scoring in the pool stage win over South Africa and the quarter-final victory over Ireland.
The right wing, who can also play fullback, was part of the All Blacks’ side that won the 2021 Rugby Championship. He has scored 12 tries from his 19 Test appearances.
Bridge has played 82 Super Rugby games and scored 37 tries from his time with the Crusaders (2017-2022) and clocked up 48 caps and 11 tries for Montpellier (2022-2025) while in France.
Force head coach Simon Cron was thrilled to secure a player of Bridge’s experience, quality and professionalism for the next two Super Rugby Pacific campaigns.
“George is well known to a number of people on our staff and they can’t speak highly enough of his professionalism, approach to the game and his rugby knowledge.
“He’s got a massive left foot kick. He can play multiple positions. He’s a brilliant player. An amazing talent. He’ll add to the guys that we have in the squad," said Cronn who is a New Zealander.
“We know when we have injuries, it’s important we have depth so we can progress deep into Super Rugby finals.
“He’s got a huge amount to give. He’s been playing at Montpellier at Top 14 level. I know a few NZ franchises were chasing him hard, but he wanted to join the Force.
“I know George and his family were keen to come here and make Perth their chosen home, which is what we’re all about. He’ll add a lot to our environment.”
Bridge said he was looking forward to joining the Force, buoyed by the Club’s trajectory under Cron.
“I’m excited to be moving to WA and joining the Western Force, They’re a club heading in the right direction and I’m keen to take on the new challenge and contribute to the club’s success.
"I’ve always loved my time in Perth, and with friends and good connections among the staff and players, it felt like the right fit."
Bridge is due to arrive in Perth in November ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season
Former All Blacks Matt Proctor, Atu Moli plus New Zealanders Sio Tomkinson and Reed Prinsep were also at the Force in the 2025 season.
