Inaugural Emirates Western Force player Cam Shepherd will hang up his boots for the Western Australian club at the end of the 2012 FxPro Super Rugby season and will be honoured for his outstanding contribution at the Emirates Western Force v Lions match on Saturday night.
Shepherd joined the franchise in 2006 and made his debut for the Emirates Western Force in the club’s inaugural Super Rugby game. Since then he has amassed 60 caps for the club and scored 372 points including 30 tries.
In 2007 Shepherd played a pivotal role in the Emirates Western Force’s first home victory with a try just before the full time siren and a successful kick for the conversion from a tough angle.
Shepherd said the first home win was definitely a highlight but for him the memory of the team’s first win in 2006 stood out.
“Our first win in Kimberley in South Africa has got to be up there as one of the best memories because it had been such a tough run for a whole year and it was the second last game of the season and we still hadn’t won a game,” said Shepherd.
“The boys just came together so well that day and we got that victory and although it would have been great to have got it in Perth, it was almost more special that it was in an obscure location and it was just us boys that had been through all those hard yards together.
The 28 year old has been a standout performer for the club but an unlucky run of injuries had restricted his game time in recent seasons. A wrist injury sustained in round eight meant he was unavailable to play for the remainder of the FxPro Super Rugby season and he decided to join UK club Northampton later in the year.
Shepherd expressed his disappointment at the impact the injuries had on his game time.
“Looking back that has probably been the most frustrating thing because I haven’t been able to play as many games as I wanted,” said Shepherd.
“Because the seasons here are so short that when you do pick up little injuries you end up missing half a season.
Shepherd reflected on his time with the Western Australian club as a fantastic experience and is sad to be leaving.
“I’ve been so lucky with the people I’ve met in Perth and the opportunities I’ve had with the playing group.
“It certainly wasn’t a decision that I reached easily and although it is sad to be finishing up here it’s very exciting at the same time because hopefully a change in environment at a new club might bring me a little bit more luck on the injury front and with a young family now it’s been the right decision to make the move.
“I’m excited about the challenge of playing in a new competition and getting to know some new players at a new club.”
RugbyWA CEO Vern Reid acknowledged the significant contribution Shepherd has made over the past seven seasons.
“Cameron has made a lasting impression on WA rugby fans. As one of our original players he has been a force behind the Force and especially as he has taken a leading role in many of our memorable matches,” Mr Reid said.
“We wish him well at Northampton and hope that he returns to Perth permanently when he finally hangs up his boots.”
Shepherd will thank the fans on Saturday night at the Emirates Western Force v Lions match at nib Stadium.
“I think one of the saddest parts of the move is saying farewell to the fans. I’ve been so blessed with the most amazing fans here in Perth and I’ve always cherished every game running out in front of the ‘Sea of Blue’ and hearing that roar,” Shepherd said.
“I have a little thing where I always run onto the same part of the field and acknowledge the same fans and I’m really going to miss that.
“It’s going to be hard not getting that last opportunity to do it but on Saturday night just to get out on the field and say thank you to everyone who has been such an amazing support to me one more time will be a nice feeling.”