Rugby: Force sign Winston Stanley

Winston Stanley. Photo / Getty Images

The Western Force recruitment of New Zealand talent has continued with Auckland midfield back Winston Stanley revealed as the Australian Super rugby franchise's latest signing.

Brisbane-born Stanley, 22, will trek west at the end of the ITM Cup, following the pathway of former Waikato and Taranaki first five-eighth Willie Ripia and Auckland wing David Smith.

Ripia has another year left on his contract while Smith headed for Toulon at the end of the Super 15 but expressed a desire to return to Perth when his two-year stint in France ends.

Stanley, the IRB junior player of the year in 2009, helps filled the void left by Wallabies utility James O'Connor, who will play for the Melbourne Rebels in 2013.

The younger brother of 2010 All Black midfielder Benson, Stanley's Super 15 season with the Blues was disrupted by injury, limiting him to just three appearances.

However, Force head coach Richard Graham had seen enough to try and prise Stanley from Auckland, where his prospects of featuring prominently for the Blues next year were compromised by the impending arrival of Ma'a Nonu.

"I just wanted to get a new perspective on my rugby and have some life experience by moving to a new place away from home," he said.

"The club has a really strong forward pack with plenty of current Wallabies and also boasts some exciting backs which I hope I can add to and be a strong contributor."

Stanley heads to Perth for the start of pre-season training in November.

- NZPA