Holmes returns 'home'

Local Perth product and Brumbies utility back Zack Holmes will return to Western Australia to link with the Western Force for 2014 and 2015.

The Perth-born flyhalf/fullback joins current Brumbies teammate Ian Prior, and Reds and Wallabies outside back Luke Morahan as the Force's new recruits for next year's Super Rugby season.

Holmes, 22, made his Super Rugby debut for the Brumbies  against the Chiefs in 2012 and has amassed 74 points in just nine appearances for the ACT province, including a 22-point haul against the Hurricanes last year.

The former Aquinas College student was also a member of the Australian Sevens side that finished third in the 2009/2010 IRB Sevens World Series.

Holmes, who represented the WA Schoolboys (2007) and was a member of RugbyWA's Academy in 2009, says he's excited about to returning to WA and continuing his Super Rugby career with the Western Force.

"I've enjoyed how the Force has gone about their footy this year and I'm looking forward to getting back home," he said.

"I was involved with the franchise in  junior programs and the Academy since I was 15 and the goal when I was younger was always to play for the Force. While I've since moved over east, when the opportunity came up to move home it was very tempting and it's a decision I think's best for my development moving forward.

"The Force is in a similar situation to what I came into at the Brumbies. Over the past two years the side has grown and developed, and there's no reason why the Force can't do the same."

Head coach Michael Foley says Holmes is another quality addition to the Western Force backline in 2014.

"We're very pleased to bring a Perth local home to represent the Force," he said.

"Zack's a very promising player, who has shown his ability at both Sevens and Super Rugby levels.

"We're looking forward to Zack joining the team as he provides a quality option in the key positions of '10' and '15'."