Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force’s Kyle Godwin to join Lyon next season

Western Force centre Kyle Godwin will be leaving Perth at the end of the season to join French Top 14 side, Lyon.

Godwin has been a long-standing member of the Force squad, having made his debut when he was only 19 years of age and racked up 76 appearances for the club.

The 29-year-old believes it was a difficult decision to make and considered as much as he could in order to make the right choice.

“I left no stone unturned in my decision-making process and have ruminated over it for a considerable amount of time,” Godwin said to the Western Force‘s official website.

“It is the right time in my career for a new experience and to take on a new challenge.

“I’ve loved every minute at the Force. They have given me the opportunity to live out my childhood dreams and nurtured me throughout my entire career, which I’m eternally grateful for.

“The club is moving in an exciting direction with an abundance of young homegrown talent rising through the ranks and I know the future is bright for the Force.

“I’d like to thank Matt Hodgson, who has been my biggest supporter, advocate and mentor since the start of my career. I’d like to thank all my coaches and teammates, past and present, who I consider lifelong friends, and the front office staff for their unwavering support.

“Last but certainly not least, I’d like to thank the Sea of Blue. You are the most loyal supporters in the world, and I can’t thank you enough for your phenomenal support since day one. I will be giving my everything in the remaining matches this season for the club in our push for finals and I cannot wait to be back out there playing in front of you all this Friday.”

The Force’s chief executive Tony Lewis commended Godwin for his substantial impact on the club