Force continue South African trend

Brynard Stander has signed for the next two seasons with the Force. Photo / Getty Images

The Western Force will have a distinct South African flavour next season with the Super Rugby franchise signing their eighth player from the Rainbow Nation.

Back-rower Brynard Stander has signed for the next two seasons, joining countrymen Wilhelm Steenkamp, Chris Heiberg, Marcel Brache, Dillyn Leyds, Dylan Sage and Francois van Wyk as South African newcomers to the club.

Five-eighth Sias Ebersohn joined the Force a year ago.

The club has specifically targeted South African players during their recruitment drive in a bid to move away from their reliance on Australia's east coast-based player pool.

Stander joins the Western Force as an abrasive and physical back-rower, who can play either side of the scrum or at No.8.

The 23-year-old progressed through the Sharks' development program, representing Natal at under-19 and under-21 levels, before spending the past two seasons in the coastal province's Vodacom and Currie Cup squads.

"Moving here from South Africa was a big decision, particularly moving away from my family," Stander said.

"But it's been such a welcoming atmosphere."

The Force finished 13th last season with just four wins and a draw from 16 games.

- AAP