KEY POINTS:
Western Force marquee recruit Ben Castle predicts his former coach Tana Umaga will "go good" but get "bashed around" upon his return to top-level rugby.
Umaga, a former All Blacks captain who retired as a player two years ago, will pull on the boots once more as he attempts to help French club Toulon escape the threat of relegation.
The 35-year-old, who will continue in his role as manager of Toulon, has signed a player contract that runs until the end of the season.
Umaga didn't play in Toulon's 38-22 win over Mont-de-Marsan on January 30, which lifted Toulon to 11th on the 14-team table.
But Castle predicted the fleet-footed centre would endure a torrid time when he did finally feature for the struggling French club.
"He'll probably get bashed around to start with but he's used to that," said Castle, who was swooped up by the Force when he was released by Toulon.
"He'll go good.
"He's still in pretty good nick, Tana, so I think he'll go all right."
The Force have endured their fair share of off-field controversies during their short existence, the latest centred on coach John Mitchell's fragile relationship with his coaching staff and players.
But Castle, 29, said Australian media attention was nothing compared to that in Toulon when Sonny Bill Williams walked out on NRL side the Bulldogs to link up with the French side, who also have former Force bad boy Matt Henjak on their list.
"It was interesting seeing someone like Sonny there. I don't think Toulon had that much media attention until he turned up," Castle said.
"Running around the country, hiding from the media ... that was pretty interesting to see how that works.
"He's slotted in nicely and he's enjoying his time over there and he's a pretty good player."
Force general manager of rugby Mitch Hardy said Castle, a tight head prop who notched 42 caps with the Chiefs during his five seasons at Waikato, would provide the Force with invaluable knowledge of rival New Zealand teams.
"His experience from playing in a number of different outfits will add value to us on the strategy side of things when we do our match reviews," Hardy said.
"And with his familiarity with the New Zealand players as well he might be able to give us some insight into some of the New Zealand provinces, especially when we play the Chiefs in round four."
Castle will play for the Force Academy against Queensland's Academy in Thursday's curtain-raiser to the Reds' practice match against the Force.
- AAP
