Western Force sign third Argentine with hooker Leonel Oviedo to join ahead of Super Rugby Pacific season

Western Force have added a six-foot-one, 118kg monster to their Hooker depth with a third Argentine signing on for the 2026 season. Leonel Oviedo arrived in Perth last week, fresh from inking his signature on an injury cover contract. The 27-year-old joins fellow Argentina and Dogos XV Cordoba alum Franco Molina and Agustin Moyano at the Force, with head coach Simon Cron hopeful he can stabilise the middle of the scrum. “We’ve been on the hunt for another hooker to add to our depth in that critical position,” he said. “Prior to reaching out to Felipe (Contepomi), we canvassed Australian teams and agents but couldn’t get someone who was SRP ready. It’s not a position you want to put someone who is not quite ready yet. “Leo is ready, firing and more importantly, fits our team and the culture we are building. “He brings a very big, strong presence at hooker. At 118 kilograms, that’ll help stabilise the middle of our scrum. With Nic Dolly coming back from injury, this provides a bit of breathing space for him to come back fully fit and ready. “It’ll also increase our training intensity come set-piece time and contact zone, which will help all of our players to continue to grow. He’s a really good addition for us.” While Oviedo is not capped internationally, he has played in overseas leagues in Uruguay and France, but trained with Felipe Contepomi’s Los Pumas squad in 2024. Oviedo said he was excited to join the Club and link up with his Argentine compatriots. “I’m happy to be here to join the Force,” he said. “I’m excited to contribute with the team. “Perth is a great place, and I’m excited to play here and alongside Agustin and Franco too.” The Force have added five internationally capped recruits ahead of the 2026 campaign in a bid to reach their maiden Super Rugby Pacific finals. The Perth-based club were on track to break their finals duck last season but struggled to maintain their form after a bye and fell out of the reckoning.