The Western Force today confirms the
exciting addition of 19-time All Blacks winger and six-time Super Rugby
champion George Bridge 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.
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 winger, who can also play full-back, 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.
Cron said: “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.
“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 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,” Bridge said.
“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.
George Bridge
DOB: 1/4/1995
Place of birth: Gisborne (NZ)
Height: 186cm
Position: Wing
International career history
All Blacks (2018-, 19 caps, 12 tries)
Club career history
Montpellier (2022-2025, 48 caps, 11 tries)
Crusaders (2017-2022, 82 caps, 37 tries)
Canterbury (NPC) (2016-2022, 44 caps, 22 tries)