The Western Force welcomed their two newest recruits this morning as the squad continues to take shape ahead of the 2009 Super 14 season.

With their teammates enjoying a well-earned breather today after an intense opening two weeks of pre-season training, scrumhalf Josh Valentine and lock/flanker Richard Stanford began their preparations for the season by getting to know their new surrounds at Perry Lakes. A four-Test Wallaby, Valentine signed a one-year contract with the WA side in August and is primed to challenge for the No.9 jersey after two seasons with the Waratahs.

Valentine said his decision to come to Perth was based purely on rugby. "From a rugby perspective joining the Western Force was the easiest decision I've ever made," said Valentine. "While it's tough to leave mates behind in Sydney, this was certainly the best move for me from a career point of view."

The Singleton-raised halfback made just two appearances for the Waratahs in 2008, playing behind current Wallabies No.9 Luke Burgess. "I've got a great opportunity to challenge for the starting job here and my first goal is to get back to playing rugby week-in, week-out at Super 14 level," he said.

Stanford, a towering lock-cum-flanker signed off on a one-year deal with the Emirates Western Force last Friday. The former Australian Schoolboys, Under 19s and Under 21s forward moves to Perth after three seasons with the Brumbies, where he won six caps.

The 22-year-old utility is yet to start a Super 14 match, having made all six of his appearances from the reserves bench, and each of them in the 2007 season. Both players will commence training in their new colours when the squad returns from a two-day break tomorrow.