Force enters research partnership

The Western Force has entered a three-way research partnership project with UK-based Hytro Limited and the University of Western Australia, in a bid for its players to enhance their travel recovery.

Hytro, which specialises in blood flow restriction recovery, works closely with several professional sporting clubs and national teams around the world – including the England cricket team and English Premier League outfit Newcastle United.

Together with UWA, the Force will compare different forms of BFR protocols during air and bus travel, in a bid to determine which method provides maximum recovery to the players.

While travelling, groups of Force players will test out the variety of BFR wearables, with specific symptoms such as joint pain and muscle soreness measured.

This analysis will allow the Force to tailor recovery protocols for each individual player.

Logan Surridge, who heads up the club’s applied performance science department, is hopeful using the BFR wearables will give the Force a potential edge.

“The challenge of being the most travelled team in Super Rugby, approximately 40,000km in 2024 alone, puts us in a unique position whereby best practice recovery strategies in and around travel are a fundamental pillar of performance for the Western Force,” he said.

“The use of Hytro BFR wearables presents us with a quick and effective recovery tool that we believe can create a competitive edge in performance.

“With the combination of travel demands and a sport that is unique in its high levels of physical impact, the BFR research opportunities within the Western Force promises to be positive for the high-performance sports industry.”

The Force men’s team last won away from home on May 24 2022 against Moana Pasifika at New Zealand’s Go Media Stadium – and will enter their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a 15-game away losing streak.

Last month, the Andrew Forrest-backed Force confirmed it had also extended its partnership with Harvey Beef for a fifth consecutive season.