Western Force’s reed Prinsep to Retire After Grand Final, Pursue MBA at Oxford
Western Force back-rower Reed Prinsep will retire from professional rugby following Sunday’s Super Rugby AUS Grand Final, bringing an end to an 11-year career boasting nearly 100 Super Rugby caps adn depiction for the Māori All Blacks.
The 32-year-old will embark on a new chapter with his family – wife Mel and children Cartia and Heidi – by studying an Executive Masters of Business Administration at Oxford University later this year.
Prinsep amassed 99 Super Rugby appearances across three clubs: the Crusaders (2015-2016), the Hurricanes (2017-2023), and the Force (2024-2025).He also earned 10 caps for the Māori All Blacks between 2016 and 2022.
His professional journey began with canterbury in late 2014, where he was a key part of a team that secured three consecutive NPC titles from 2015 to 2017.
Lured to the Force in early 2024 by head coach Simon Cron, Prinsep quickly made an impact, playing 25 super Rugby games and finishing fifth in the 2024 Nathan Sharpe medal count.
Prinsep revealed the decision to retire stems from a long-held ambition to study at Oxford University, stating, “the decision to study at Oxford has been on my mind as I left high school, so it’s always been the masterplan to transition out of rugby. When the offer came through, I felt it was the best time to take it up.”
He added, “I feel like I got everything out of myself and my body. I’d rather finish a year early, than a year late so the timing felt right.Rugby has opened up many doors for life beyond my playing days, and my family and I are excited about the next chapter.”
Reflecting on his career,Prinsep said,”The journey has been special. You get told by senior players that your career goes by in a flash and that’s certainly true. It feels like yesterday I made my debut at Canterbury.”
“I never came through an Academy system, so I’ve always played for the love of the game and made the most of every chance… I’ve been blessed to have opportunities in Super Rugby at the Crusaders, Hurricanes and force and met some great people along the way. There’s lots of highlights including debut games and milestone games, but it’s always been about the people.”
Throughout his career, Prinsep also played 73 Super Rugby games for the Hurricanes and 83 NPC caps for Canterbury, including three championship titles.
Prinsep expressed deep gratitude to his wife Mel and family for their unwavering support, as well as the coaches who guided him throughout his career.”The biggest thank you goes to my wife Mel, who has been beside me every step of my career,” he said. “The support she’s provided has been astonishing and enabled me to have this career.”
Reed prinsep Announces Move to England After impactful Career with Western Force
Western Force back-rower Reed Prinsep is set to embark on a new chapter in his career, moving to England with his family after a significant contribution to the Australian club. The announcement was made by the Force, with Head Coach Simon Cron praising Prinsep’s leadership and dedication.
“I always led through my actions and wanted to be a role model for the young guys coming through to get the best out of themselves,” Prinsep said, reflecting on his approach to the game.
Cron highlighted Prinsep’s impact during his two seasons with the Force, where he quickly became a key member of the leadership group and earned the nickname ‘concrete’ for his powerful carries. “Reed has been a phenomenal leader of men,” Cron stated. “He leads by his actions. He has an amazing knowledge of the game and never stops working and never lets you down. He’s been a huge asset.”
The Force wish Prinsep, his wife Mel, and their daughters Cartia and Heidi all the best in their future endeavors.
Reed Prinsep – Career Summary
* Date of Birth: February 17, 1993
* Position: Back-rower
* Super Rugby Debut: 2016 with the Crusaders
* Super Rugby Caps: 99 (1 with Crusaders (2016), 73 with Hurricanes (2017-2023), 25 with Force (2024-2025))
* Force Caps: 253
* Maori All Blacks caps: 10
Prinsep’s career began with the Crusaders in 2016 before a lengthy and successful stint with the Hurricanes from 2017 to 2023. he joined the Western Force in 2024,quickly establishing himself as a vital player and leader.He also represented the Maori All Blacks on 10 occasions, showcasing his talent on an international stage.