Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force sign one-cap Wallaby Darby Lancaster to add another flying winger

Western Force have added another outside back threat for next year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign in the form of one-cap Wallaby Darby Lancaster. The former Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels flyer has signed on with the Force after a try-laden two seasons over east for the winger. Previously an Australian sevens star, Lancaster has scored nine tries across 17 games in the past two seasons and made his Wallabies debut against Georgia last year. The 22 year-old will give coach Simon Cron yet another threat out wide, with Lancaster joining a loaded Force outside-back contingent also including former All Black George Bridge, Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch and Mac Grealy, who enjoyed an impressive first season out west. Lancaster was effectively squeezed out of the Waratahs’ set-up after they pursued and signed former Force star Harry Potter, and the winger said he was thrilled to find a new home out west and link up with the likes of Ben Donaldson. “It’s an exciting group who play fast, attacking rugby and as an outside back, that’s what I love to see,” Lancaster said. “The rugby they play suits me. I’m really looking forward to playing with attacking-minded players like Ben Donaldson. “Playing at the fast deck of HBF Park, there’s bound to be some good running rugby, which will suit me.” Lancaster said was also looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces. “I’ve know a fair few of the players, so I’m excited to get among the group. I spent a week with Crono for the AUNZ game (against the British and Irish Lions) and got to know him a bit and Chucky (Force assistant James Stannard) used to coach me in my Australia sevens days,” he said. Cron said Lancaster’s lightning speed was a huge asset. “Darby has characteristics that you really can’t coach, with his lightning quick speed and power. He can run over 10 metres per second. He’s a powerful human being. He’s shown that against us in a few games,” Cron said. “He’s really driven to be successful and be the best he can be. We’ve had a lot of chats about that over the last couple of weeks. We’re excited to have him join our squad and add to the players that we have here. “We’ve got to make sure we continue to drive standards and expectations in the squad and he’ll do that. He’s had experience at Wallabies level and he knows a lot of players within the environment.” Lancaster will join the Force officially when they commence pre-season for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season in November.