The Western Force have again looked overseas for their playmaker, signing New Zealander Willie Ripia for the next two Super rugby seasons.

He joins the Force as a foreign development player after committing his international future to Australian rugby.

New Zealand Maoris representative Ripia, 24, has already notched 30 Super rugby appearances in his home country, first for the Highlanders then the Hurricanes.

It's not the first time the Force have handed their No.10 jersey to a foreigner, with fellow New Zealander David Hill stepping into the role last Super rugby season after South African recruit Andre Pretorius suffered a serious hamstring injury in pre-season.

"It was no secret that finding a quality flyhalf was top of the list in our off season recruiting and in Willie we believe we have achieved just that," RugbyWA chief executive Vern Reid said in a statement on Monday.

"Willie is an exciting young player who has the added benefit of experience at Super rugby level.

"He has something special about him and will add that X-factor to our attack."

If Ripia stays in Australia for three years he will become eligible for Wallabies selection.

Despite his NZ Maori appearances, Ripia had fallen down the pecking order at the Hurricanes, with boom No.10 Aaron Cruden emerging this year as the heir apparent to All Blacks' superstar Dan Carter.

Ripia said his decision to move to Perth had a lot to do with the opportunity to become a starting player once more.

"Getting game time and playing in my preferred position at first five-eighth was a huge incentive for me, along with the new challenge the move to Perth presents," Ripia said.

"I've been in and around the New Zealand system for a while now and thought it was time to challenge myself and my football.

A New Zealand under-19 and under-21 representative, Ripia said he'd happily pull on a gold jersey if the opportunity arises but he's not thinking that far ahead.

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