The Western Force have signaled a clear commitment to the future of West Australian rugby by securing two of the state’s most promising young talents for the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season. Sofaia Talemaira and Kylah-Rey Tuheke Kupa, both standout performers from the Wanneroo club, have signed their first professional contracts, marking a significant step in their transition from age-grade and club rugby to the elite level.
The duo arrives at the professional ranks following a dominant period with the Wanneroo “Divaz,” where they were instrumental in securing the WA Fortescue Premier Grade women’s premiership. The pair helped lead their side to a 19-15 victory over Wests Scarborough, a result that underscored the growing depth of talent within the RugbyWA ecosystem.
For the Force, the signing of these “young guns” is more than just a roster addition; it is a validation of the state’s developmental pathways. By integrating players who have already proven their physicality and leadership in the local Premier Grade, the Force are building a sustainable pipeline of homegrown talent capable of competing in the rigorous Super Rugby environment.
Talemaira: A Proven Leader in the Engine Room
Sofaia Talemaira, 20, enters the 2026 season not just as a skilled lock, but as a proven leader. Her tenure as captain of the Divaz has been defined by a rare level of consistency, guiding her club to back-to-back Premier Grade titles in 2024 and 2025. In the second row, Talemaira has earned a reputation for her function rate and tactical discipline, traits that have already been tested on the international stage.
The lock has already spent time within the high-performance environment, participating in the Force’s 2024 Japan Tour. More recently, she was a cornerstone of the triumphant North team during October’s North vs South Women’s Series, starting all three matches and providing the stability needed in the set piece.
Force Super W head coach Dylan Parsons emphasized that Talemaira’s ability to balance the physical demands of the lock position with leadership skills makes her a vital asset. Parsons noted that she is “active around the field, has a quality engine and gets through her core roles as a lock,” adding that the club is eager to see her progress now that she has a firm grasp of the requirements of a high-performance athlete.
Tuheke Kupa: The Breakout Teenage Talent
While Talemaira provides veteran leadership for her age, 16-year-old Kylah-Rey Tuheke Kupa represents the next frontier of WA rugby. Kupa’s ascent has been rapid, moving through the RugbyWA under-age girls pathway and graduating from the Girls Emerging Players Program last year. Her 2025 season with the Divaz was a definitive breakout, proving she could handle the jump to senior rugby.
A versatile athlete, Kupa spent the previous season operating as a scrum-half, but her professional trajectory will see her move into her preferred position of centre. Her composure under pressure was on full display during the North vs South Women’s Series, where she started two of the three games and took over conversion duties in the deciding match.
Parsons highlighted Kupa’s ability to adapt to the physicality of the Premier Grade as a key factor in her earning a contract. He noted that the teenager, who is still studying at school within the Aranmore program, has handled every challenge placed before her with confidence. To accelerate her growth, Kupa will be mentored by experienced centres Trilleen and Cecilia, providing a blueprint for her development in the midfield.
Player Profiles: The 2026 New Signings
| Player | Position | Age | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofaia Talemaira | Lock | 20 | Wanneroo |
| Kylah-Rey Tuheke Kupa | Centre | 16 | Wanneroo |
The Strategic Impact of Local Pathways
The arrival of Talemaira and Tuheke Kupa is a testament to the synergy between the Super Rugby franchise and local club structures. By scouting players who have already tasted success in the Fortescue Premier Grade, the Force reduce the “culture shock” often associated with rookie contracts. Both players have already experienced the pressure of championship rugby and the intensity of representative series.
This strategy ensures that the Force are not merely importing talent but are cultivating a specific “Western Australian” style of play—one rooted in the tenacity and grit found in the local club competitions. The integration of a 16-year-old like Kupa also sends a powerful message to young girls across the state that the path to professional rugby is open and accessible through the RugbyWA pathways.
For the coaching staff, the focus now shifts to the transition from “promising talent” to “consistent performer.” The gap between club rugby and the Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s competition is significant, requiring a leap in strength, conditioning, and tactical execution. However, with Talemaira’s leadership and Kupa’s adaptability, the Force appear well-positioned to integrate these young guns into their 2026 campaign.
Fans eager to see the Force in action can catch the team at HBF Park on Saturday, April 18, for a 7:55 p.m. Kick-off against the Crusaders. This “Party At The Park” event serves as a primary home fixture and a chance for the community to support the evolving squad.
The next major milestone for both players will be their integration into the full-time training squad and the subsequent announcement of the 2026 roster as the season approaches.
We aim for to hear from you. Do you think the Force’s focus on homegrown talent is the right move for the franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
