Western Force Coach Simon Cron Confirms James Ramm Signing
Western Force coach Simon Cron has officially confirmed the signing of Australian winger James Ramm from Northampton, marking a significant addition to the Super Rugby Pacific team. Ramm, a standout player for the Premiership Rugby-league leaders, will join the Force at the end of the current season, aiming to secure a spot for the Wallabies in next year's Rugby World Cup on home soil.
James Ramm's Impressive Career and Return to Australia
At 27 years old, James Ramm has made a notable impact in English rugby, scoring 31 tries in 68 matches over the past four years. His move to Northampton followed an injury-plagued stint with the Waratahs, and he recently gained attention with a spectacular 90-meter solo run that set up a try in a win over Harlequins. Cron emphasized that Ramm's desire to return to Australia and his outreach through current squad players made this signing a natural fit for the Force.
Boosting Depth in the Back Three
Cron highlighted the importance of strengthening the team's back-three depth, especially with injuries affecting key players. He stated, "One of the areas for us to continue to grow our depth is in our back three, and we've got a great back three at the moment. We wanted to keep all of those guys and then add." This move comes as Dylan Pietsch remains sidelined with a minor foot injury, and off-season signing Darby Lancaster recovers from a quad injury, underscoring the need for reliable options.
Injury Updates and Team Adjustments
In other team news, vice-captain Nick Champion de Crespigny is dealing with a low-grade MCL knee injury sustained in the opening round defeat to the Brumbies. While he won't be available for the upcoming match, Cron expects a swift return. To compensate, captain Jeremy Williams will shift from the second row to the back row for Saturday's clash with the Blues at HIF Health Insurance Oval. This adjustment allows the Force to field three Test-capped line-out options, including former Wallaby Darcy Swain and Argentinian lock Franco Molina.
Cron praised Williams' versatility, saying, "The great thing about Jeremy is he's so mobile. He's got the skill to play as a six and as a lock, which gives us the opportunity to bring in Darcy and Franco together." This strategic move is part of pre-season planning, now implemented earlier due to Champion de Crespigny's absence.
Looking Ahead to the Rugby World Cup
James Ramm's signing is a strategic step for the Western Force as they build towards the Rugby World Cup. His experience and proven try-scoring ability are expected to enhance the team's offensive capabilities. Cron's focus on depth and player development reflects a broader goal of competing at the highest levels in Super Rugby Pacific and international rugby.
