Western Force have added some muscle for the upcoming Super 14 season with the signing of former junior All Black prop Ben Castle.

Released by struggling French rugby club Toulon - where former All Black legend Tana Umaga is coach - Castle will bring much-needed experience to the Force having played 42 games in five seasons with the Chiefs.

Standing 185cm tall and weighing in at 115kg, Castle is a powerful scrummager who can play on either side of the scrum.

"Ben brings a wealth of Super 14 experience and he is a well respected New Zealand provincial player at Bay of Plenty and the Chiefs," Force general manager Mitch Hardy said.

"He will add immediate value to our playing ranks and will also have a significant role in the development of our young props."

Force coach John Mitchell said Castle would be a strong contributor to the squad both on and off the field.

"He's an old-school type of prop who is a good fit for our squad," Mitchell said.

The 29-year-old will arrive in Perth on Saturday night and is expected to attend training on Sunday.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP