Former Wallabies backrower Isi Naisarani is going back to where it all began.
The Fijian-born Australian international has confirmed his return to the Western Force, the same club he made his Super Rugby Pacific debut with.
Naisarani contested one season with the Force in 2017 before moving to the ACT Brumbies the following year.
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A move to the Melbourne Rebels came in 2019, which coincided with his Wallabies selection for the Rugby World Cup that year.
Naisarani stayed with the team until 2021 before his move to Japan in the same season.
The 28-year-old will contest the remaining rounds of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition fresh off a stint in Japan’s Rugby League One with the Shizuoka Blue Revs.
Speaking on his return, Naisarani indicated his desire to return to the Wallabies fold.
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“I wanted to return here and do my best again,” said Naisarani.
“I’ve got lots to give back to the Force and Australia and am looking forward to being involved in the Super Rugby environment, playing good quality rugby again.
“Coming back here is like going back in time. It feels like a lifetime ago I was living here in Perth, so I’m excited to be back here where I started my career.”
Naisarani will cover both the lock and back row positions.
Six years on from his first start with the Force, the team has a whole new look led by head coach Simon Cron.
Naisarani said he’s eager to begin working with Cron and the squad.
“I had a Zoom meeting with Simon Cron and Matt Hodgson a few weeks ago,” he said.
“Cron sounds like an intelligent coach with a clear direction for the Force. I’m looking forward to working with him as I know he wants the best for me, too.
“Cron wants me to be back in the contest again and to put 100 per cent into training. I’m looking forward to having him enlist his knowledge and guide me in areas of my game.
“I was stuck with the injury back in Japan, so I’m looking forward to working with the high-performance staff here to see where we can go.”
It’s expected Naisarani will be available for selection in the coming weeks.
The Force play the Highlanders in round nine on Saturday at 7.35pm (AEST).
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