part of the Red Bull family – and he’s one of the most recognisable players in world rugby. On-field threat + off-field branding = marketing dream.

The one-Test Wallaby is set to make a one-off return for his boyhood club against the British & Irish Lions on June 28, closing the book on a 12-year pro career in storybook fashion. Saracens have given the green light for the tighthead to link up with the Force on a rare one-game loan deal before his contract ends.

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Hoskins landed in Perth on Wednesday and was back in Force colours at training by Thursday.

“It’s time to hang them up,” he said earlier this month in an emotional Instagram post. But first, there’s one more game to play.

This is more than just a cameo — it’s a homecoming. Hoskins first pulled on a Force jersey in 2012 as a fresh-faced Academy product, making his Super Rugby debut in 2014 and racking up 26 caps (16 in his debut season off the bench).

He left WA to chase his dream abroad, logging 150+ games for London Irish and picking up a Supporters’ Player of the Season award before joining Saracens in 2022.

Now, after two seasons with the Premiership giants, he’s back where it all began.

Force head coach Simon Cron said the timing couldn’t be better.

“Ollie brings a wealth of experience and is such an open and positive person,” Cron said. “He’ll help mentor the younger tightheads and give us some crucial stability in the front row heading into the Lions game.”

The Force have battled injuries up front all year, and with Wallabies hopeful Tom Robertson shifting to loosehead at the national coaches' request, a hole opened up on the tighthead side — and Hoskins fit it perfectly.

“It’s a great story for WA rugby, and for Ollie personally,” Cron added. “To start and finish here — it means something.”

The 31-year-old might be hanging up the boots soon, but not before one final scrum in blue.

Let’s dive into the names being discussed behind the scenes – starting with one of rugby’s true giants.

Status: Free agent
CV: 100+ Ireland caps, 3x Lions, Grand Slam winner
Why it fits: You want experience? Leadership? Big-game IQ? Conor Murray has it all. He’s just wrapped up 15 iconic years with Munster and is actively weighing up his next move.

Racing 92 are circling, but Red Bull are believed to be pushing hard behind the scenes to hijack the move and bring him to the Premiership.

At 36, he’s not a long-term project – but as a tactical general to guide Newcastle’s rebuild, he’d be 

worth every penny. A true elite organiser with box-kicking precision and icy composure.

Status: Free agent
CV: Lions, Wales Grand Slam hero
Why it fits: He’s explosive, fearless, and brings real edge. At 33, he’s still electric – and ready for one more high-profile challenge. A perfect face for the Red Bull revolution.

Status: Available
CV: England No.8, Top 14 champ
Why it fits: Still just 27 and out of contract after leaving Gloucester. He’s physical, smart, and a born leader. Toulon are sniffing – but Red Bull could beat them to it.

Status: In the Top 14
CV: 21 England caps, Premiership title with Quins
Why it fits: A slick centre with pace and pedigree. Bonus? He’s engaged to Alan Shearer’s daughter, Hollie – a link that might just tip the scales.

Status: Free
CV: Prem winner, 200+ appearances
Why it fits: Game-changer, joker, leader. Freddie brings that clutch gene – and would be a steady hand in a new-look backline. Big-game player with serious charisma.

Status: Red Bull athlete
CV: England, Lions, Exeter legend
Why it fits: He’s already

Caveat: his past issues on synthetic pitches could be a factor. But if there's a way around that, he’s a no-brainer.