The Western Force have re-signed three Test representatives in Richard Brown, Ben McCalman and Brett Sheehan for the 2013 Super Rugby season.
The trio's re-signings were announced this morning at Brittania Oval, Leederville where Brown and Sheehan joined 17 of their Western Force teammates in coaching local teams and refereeing matches as part of Bankwest Junior Rugby.
Brown and McCalman have been part of the foundation of the star-studded Western Force pack for the past seven and three seasons respectively.
Brown, an inaugural member of the Western Force, has ensured the West Australian back row has remained one of the most revered in Super Rugby throughout his 72 matches, alongside the likes of David Pocock, Matt Hodgson and McCalman.
The 27-year-old, who has been capped 23 times for the Wallabies, says he's excited about what the Western Force can achieve in 2013.
"I feel a level of responsibility - having been here from the start - to see that the club has genuine success," he said.
"While the club is still going through the process of appointing a coach for next season, we have a core group of quality players that a team can be built around and moving forward we can certainly have a lot of confidence about what we can achieve next year."
McCalman, who has been a Test regular for the Wallabies since making his international debut against South Africa in 2010, has stamped himself on Super Rugby through his consistently physical approach and unrelenting performances.
The 106kg utility forward, who has provided coverage across the back row as well as lock at both provincial and Test level, says he is keen to continue the partnership with his teammates in the Western Force 'engine room'.
"My preference has always been to stay," he said. "We've got a great forward pack and I really want to remain a part of that.
Having joined the Western Force from the Waratahs for the 2010 season, Sheehan has held a firm grip on the side's '9' jersey, notching up 35 Super Rugby caps for the club.
The tough, terrier-like scrumhalf, who will notch up a ninth season of Super Rugby in 2013, says he's keen to continue his recent strong form for the Western Force while looking to put back into the club.
"I've had three great years here, I love living in Perth and it's home now," he said. "I've settled in here really well and the support we get from the community here is fantastic.
"Reaching 50 caps for the Force was also a motivation - I've had 50 at the Waratahs and I'd liked to be able to do that here. I feel like I've had two of my better years over the past two seasons at the Force and I'm really keen to continue that.
Western Force Forwards Coach Nick Stiles says the retention of senior players such as Brown, McCalman and Sheehan is important for the future success of the side.
"It's really important and very pleasing to see these guys re-signing with the organisation," he said.
"They bring with them a wealth of experience and, in their own right, they are three very good footballers."
