Wests head coach Elwee Prinsloo has told Rugby News the biggest lesson from last season’s disappointing campaign was the absence of a confrontational on-field leader.

After a sluggish start to 2025, Wests surged into form with an 11-game winning run and were widely considered the side to beat heading into the semi-finals, before being beaten comprehensively by eventual premiers Bond.

While Prinsloo said captain Pino Maupese was an “outstanding captain and individual” and an integral part of the side, he believed the squad lacked a player teammates were genuinely afraid of.

“The big thing for us is building a little bit more resilience from a mental perspective in the group – leadership is not something that comes naturally to a lot of our players,” Prinsloo said.

“What we don’t have is someone who really holds other blokes accountable – someone who’s happy to be confrontational. I don’t think we’ve got a prick in the side. Everyone’s a bunch of nice guys and gets along really well.

“So that’s something we’re going to try and develop a little bit harder in the offseason, through a few different focus areas.”

Beyond developing a harder edge within the playing group, Prinsloo has also cast his recruitment net wide following the departure of key men Denzel Samoa, Glen Vaihu and Moses Sorovi to professional contracts.

“Recruitment is my sole responsibility. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to do it,” Wests head coach said.

“You’ve got to understand the character of players and the way they play, and whether that suits the direction you’re going in.

“After playing in France and then coming here and coaching a bit of Super Rugby, you build up a pretty good rugby network.

“I look everywhere – a bit of an eye in New Zealand, a bit in the islands – and you just look for what makes sense for the budget at the time.”

Wests face Brothers, Easts and Souths during the trial period, with Prinsloo reiterating that a finals position in 2026 was the minimum benchmark target.

“Our goal every year is to compete,” he said.

 “If you don’t think like that, you start a few steps behind. Make finals first, and then see what happens.”

Elsewhere at the club, director of rugby Phil Mooney has departed to join Norths, with Prinsloo confirming the role would not be replaced this season.