Ollie Hoskins’ Remarkable One-Game Deal: The Unique Story Behind His Lions Farewell

Ollie Hoskins is set for a brief yet significant return to the Western Force.

The 32-year-old prop from Perth has received an early release from his contract with Saracens in London, allowing him to take the field against the formidable British and Irish Lions before a crowd of 50,000 at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.

This one-match loan agreement will mark Hoskins’ final appearance in professional rugby.

In 2021, Hoskins played a Test for Australia against England in London, having previously donned the Force jersey 26 times between 2014 and 2016.

“It feels beautifully poetic to conclude it all this way,” Hoskins expressed.

“Coming home to play my last match in front of my home crowd with my family present feels full circle. I’m incredibly excited… when the Force reached out to my agent, I was taken aback. It was the fastest yes in history.”

His connection to the club is profound, as his mother, Jennifer, and her friend, Irma Cooper, spearheaded a 2004 rally at Subiaco Oval where 5,000 supporters called for a ‘Super 14 for Perth,’ paving the way for the city’s rugby team ahead of Melbourne.

Beginning in the junior ranks in 2012, Hoskins’ Force journey has been memorable.

“I truly appreciate Saracens for facilitating this loan,” he stated.

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“I feel incredibly fortunate to have this chance to represent my hometown team one last time. I have an unwavering fondness for the Force.”

“Before I became a player, I was a fan as a child. Now, returning to Force HQ after a decade feels nostalgic. It still feels familiar yet distinctly different. To have one final game to bring everything to a close is just poetic. I’m immensely grateful.”

In 2021, Hoskins was called up to the Wallabies after both Taniela Tupou and Allan Alaalatoa suffered concussions during a match against Scotland.

Known as a “massive nerd,” Hoskins was caught up in a game of Dungeons and Dragons when the Wallabies came searching for him.

In May, he disclosed that the 2024-25 season would be his final one in professional rugby.

“Rugby has encompassed my life since I was just four years old. All I ever aspired to was to turn professional. And I did,” he shared on social media.

“I had signed jerseys from Western Force players on my wall. I fulfilled my dream of playing for them at just 20. I did it.”

“When I arrived at London Irish, feeling lost, I found a home… Saracens welcomed me when everything fell apart. I am deeply grateful for that. I played alongside some of the world’s finest players.”

“I achieved my lifelong goal. At six years old, I told my dad that I wanted to play for the Wallabies. I now have the jersey and cap proudly displayed on my wall. That legacy will remain with me forever. #949. I actually did it.”

In his final match, Hoskins will face off against Saracens teammate Elliot Daly, who is set to start at fullback for the Lions.

Daly’s counterpart will be Ben Donaldson, who steps into the Force’s No.15 position following Kurtley Beale’s hamstring injury during training.

Beale remains hopeful about playing for the First Nations and Pasifika XV against the Lions in Melbourne on July 22.

“He was eager to participate, but given the other opportunities available, it wouldn’t be right for us to rush him back,” mentioned Force coach Simon Cron.

“He felt devastated. He thrives in high-stakes matches, but he’s also wise and knowledgeable.”

Donaldson was spotted training with the Force on Friday after jetting in from Wallabies camp in Sydney on Thursday.

“It’s like returning home for him. His understanding of the game is sharp enough for him to adapt,” mentioned Cron in relation to why the lesser-known New Zealander, Alex Harford, will start at No.10 instead of an established Wallabies fly-half.

“In our system, the roles of 10 and 15 are quite similar, and we anticipate that Donno will transition into that role later in the match if needed,” he continued.

“That’s why we’ve positioned Donno at 15; it gives him a bit more time on the ball, and he’ll work back into that position.”

Ex-Wallabies lock Sam Carter will also take the field for the final time in his illustrious career, announcing his retirement in May as well.

Additionally, hooker Dan Sheehan will captain the Lions on debut in their first match on Australian soil.

Eight other players are set to earn their Lions caps as well in Perth, although Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park (glute) and fullback Hugo Keenan (calf) remain sidelined pending recovery.

Leinster teammates Garry Ringrose, James Lowe, Joe McCarthy, and Josh van der Flier are all set to make their debut against the Lions.

There are four additional players who may come off the bench for their debut, including Ireland’s Andrew Porter, England’s Will Stuart, and Scotland’s Huw Jones.

Melbourne-native Sione Tuipulotu from Scotland and Tadhg Beirne of Ireland are the only starters retained from last week’s 28-24 defeat to Argentina.

However, Tuipulotu has switched back to his usual inside centre position, whereas Beirne has moved from lock to blindside flanker.

While Maro Itoje has been rested, he is the captain of the Lions.

Sheehan captained Ireland for the first time against Wales earlier this year during the Six Nations.

The squad is heavily composed of Irish representatives, with eight starters—including Aussie import winger Mack Hansen—and three on the bench.

Following the loss to the Pumas, Lions coach Andy Farrell expressed confidence in the squad’s recent training and adjustment to the time zone since their arrival.

“We’re aware of the skill and experience the Force possess, and facing the Lions tends to elicit exceptional performances from Super Rugby teams,” said Farrell.

“So we expect to see them at their best.”

When the Lions last faced the Force in 2013, the scoreline was 69-17 in favour of the visitors.

FORCE (15-1): Ben Donaldson, Mac Grealy, Matt Proctor, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Alex Harford, Nic White (c), Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Will Harris, Darcy Swain, Sam Carter, Ollie Hoskins, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson

Reserves: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Reed Prinsep, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Bayley Kuenzle

LIONS (15-1): Elliot Daly, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Sione Tuipulotu, James Lowe, Finn Russell, Tomos Williams, Henry Pollock, Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy, Scott Cummings, Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan (c), Pierre Schoeman

Reserves: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Alex Mitchell, Huw Jones, Marcus Smith

– with AP