Homegrown Western Force prop Kieran Longbottom has paid tribute to the Perth-based franchise after announcing his retirement from rugby.
Longbottom was the first born-and-raised West Australian to make his journey through local club rugby, progress to the Force academy, and finally make the Super Rugby squad.
The 35-year-old made his Super debut in 2008 against the Chiefs, and went to to win 75 caps for the Force.
In between his stints at the Force, Longbottom played in the English Premiership between 2014-17 with Sale Sharks and Saracens
"The fact I've been able to represent WA for so long, being with the club for 11 years and always putting my best foot forward is something I take real pride in," Longbottom said.
"When I was growing up, we didn't have this goal to aim towards. We dreamed of playing for the Wallabies, but there weren't the steps to achieve that in WA at the time.
"So when the Force began it was a huge moment for us and I wanted to be a part of it.
"The Force became a pathway and to have been here for as long as I have means the world to me. I have so many great memories and I've met so many great people during my time here."
The Force reached the Super Rugby AU finals this year, but were winless during the trans-Tasman competition.
