Perth sensation signs with Force
The Perth-based product had a standout year taking out the PG Hampshire award in the Pindan Premier Grade, winning tournament MVP at the World Club Tens in Mauritius and played a third consecutive year in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) for the Perth Spirit.
The 25-year-old says the opportunity to play for the Force is a dream come true.
"I’m absolutely stoked, it’s always been a dream of mine to play Super Rugby," he said. "The Force has given me the opportunity and I’m taking it with open arms,"
When reflecting on his year so far, Ruru says he has been taking it day by day and putting his best foot forward in whatever opportunities come his way.
"I’ve just really enjoyed my rugby this season, whether it was with Nedlands, or over in Mauritius with the Tens and then with Perth Spirit,"
In what will be a competitive year in the number nine jersey with the likes of Ian Prior and Ryan Louwrens in the squad, Ruru says it’s something he’s relishing heading into pre-season.
"Competition is great; I think that’s what makes it all the more exciting. Having that challenge and someone who’s going to push you is what it’s all about.
"Louwrens, Prior and myself offer different styles of play, which is great but at the end of the day we’re striving for the same goal; to promote rugby in Western Australia and to have a great season with the Western Force,"
Head Coach of the Western Force Dave Wessels says that Ruru has impressed throughout the year and is excited to see him develop further in a professional program.
"Michael has been a stalwart of local Perth rugby for some time, the most impressive thing about Mike is that he’s aggressive, competitive and he really wants this opportunity.
"Those three qualities combined make him a pretty good get for us.
"We’ve got a really nice race shaping up at scrumhalf, with Ryan Louwrens playing very well and Ian Prior with all of his experience and then we have Michael Ruru who is just extremely hungry.
"So there’s going to be some competition for us at nine next year, which is going to be beneficial for all three of those players,"
