Western Force No.8 Richard Brown insists he's no closer to making a decision on his Super 14 future but fellow forward Tamaiti Horua will jump ship to Irish provincial side Ulster next year.

Horua, who joined the Force in 2008, has signed a two-year deal with Ulster and will link up with his new teammates at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old New Zealand-born flanker joins Matt Giteau (Brumbies) as confirmed departures from the Force, while the futures of Drew Mitchell, James O'Connor and Brown remain up in the air.

To add to the player drain, veteran back Scott Staniforth and former Wallabies hooker Tai McIsaac are expected to continue their careers in Japan next year.

Brown, who made his Wallabies debut last year, is out of contract at season's end and said he would weigh up a number of factors, including lifestyle and team composition, before making his decision.

"I'm taking my time," Brown said on Wednesday.

"I'm not concentrating on it too much.

"It's not something I have to rush into.

"For me it's football first I suppose and wherever I'm happiest.

"I play my best my football when I'm happy and enjoying it and that's what I'm looking for.

"There's many, many things that contribute to it.

"That's why it's taking me so long to come up with an answer."

The talented 24-year-old, who has missed the past month with a shoulder injury, will make his comeback in Friday night's must-win clash with the Reds in Perth.

Winger Nick Cummins is another to return after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Cummins' return has seen Mitchell switched from the wing to fullback, while James O'Connor will revert to inside centre after donning the No.15 jersey against the Sharks.

Junior Pelesasa and Horua were both dropped to the bench, while Cameron Shepherd (ankle) will spend another week on the sidelines.

"Brown's inclusion will bring vibrance and energy, I guess it's a matter of how long he goes for," Force coach John Mitchell said.

"We are fortunate to have Tamaiti Horua to come on the bench once Browny fatigues."

Mitchell said his charges would be on high alert against the Reds, who made no changes to the run-on side that copped a 50-26 flogging at the hands of the Chiefs last week.

"I think they've been the most improved Aussie side since last year," Mitchell said.

"There's certainly a real vibrancy in terms of the way they want to play the game.

"They are playing it real quick, they are playing it wide, they are looking to offload a lot.

"There's a real change in their mentality and thinking compared to previous years where they've always just been direct."

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