Super Rugby milestone man credits Champ Rugby for career breakthrough

After already reaching 50 Super Rugby appearances earlier this year, the West Australian will bring up his half-century for the Force when the side hosts the Queensland Reds at HBF Park on Saturday.

His career began at the Force when they were still playing in Global Rapid Rugby, before a move to the Waratahs with the aim of pushing towards Wallabies selection.

That journey then took him to West London club Ealing Trailfinders, where he experienced the harsh realities of life in the Championship.

“If you’re able to go play in the second division in the England, which is a tough division, playing on some of the fields you play on, some of the conditions.

"If you can get through that and continue to love the game and love what you do, still maintain your your habits, your routines and all of that jazz, it creates a pretty strong mindset.

“Playing in -2 degrees in a mud pit after an eight hour bus ride in front of pretty much no one, after going from playing at Suncorp Stadium, it’s a bit of a change."

Tizzano spent just one season at Ealing before being released early from his contract when the Force gave him an opportunity to return to Australia.

Since returning home, he has gone on to make his Wallabies debut and claim Rugby Australia’s Super Rugby Player of the Year award.

He was also involved in a controversial moment late in Australia’s second-Test loss during the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour.

In the lead-up to the Lions’ match-winning try, Tizzano was cleared out near his own try line by Lions forward Jac Morgan while contesting a ruck.

Although the clean-out was ruled legal, with no contact to the head or neck, Tizzano appeared to exaggerate the impact in an attempt to earn a penalty.

After a TMO review, officials confirmed there had been no foul play and allowed play to continue.

Now firmly established in the Wallabies environment, Tizzano is set for a key showdown this weekend against Queensland Reds and Test rival Fraser McReight.

The pair will face off in front of Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, who will be in Perth assessing several national team prospects.

The Force must win each of their final three home games to remain in contention for a top-six finish.

“Knowing I got through that and where I am today is something that gives me a lot of confidence.”