Western Force coach Richard Graham has confirmed All Blacks' linebreakers Ma'a Nonu and Cory Jane are two of the players in the mix to become the Perth-based franchise's marquee recruit next Super Rugby season.

The Force need to plug several holes in their backline following the loss of star Wallabies back James O'Connor to Melbourne Rebels and winger David Smith to French club Toulon.

Nonu, a 102kg powerhouse with 56 Test caps, has been told his services are no longer required at the Hurricanes, while Jane, who can play either fullback or wing, is also set to leave the New Zealand franchise.

But Graham said the Force will also explore other options.

"With Wellington's news over the last few weeks that there's Nonu (and) Jane (available), I think everyone's interested in them," Graham said on Tuesday.

"And whilst they're in the market, we will spend some time this week assessing those people and speaking to them if we think it's appropriate.

"He (Nonu) is an international footballer. Any All Black, any Wallaby, any international footballer that's off contract, we'll look at.

"The rules are really simple in Australia. You can take one (international marquee) player.

"And so based on probably the best footballer and then the balance with the rest of your recruitment, (that) will determine who you recruit as your marquee.

"We are going to lose David Smith, so we are looking for an outside back, someone who can break the line with the same regularity that David can."

Graham said the Force had been active throughout the season in lining up players to join the franchise next year.

"We are talking at the moment and we're having discussions with a number of players," he said.

"Hopefully in due process, we'll make some announcements."

Meanwhile, Graham has refused to be drawn on recent comments from O'Connor, who claimed the Force reneged on an agreed verbal deal and gave him just one hour to decide whether tosign off on an amended contract.

"What we said last week is how it transpired," Graham said.

"It's clear from what we said. I don't think we need to cover that ground again."

Force skipper Nathan Sharpe is confident the Force can cover the loss of O'Connor.

"James is a fantastic player in his own right but, with that gap that he creates, someone will step up and fill that and bring different qualities to the team," Sharpe said.

The Force (five wins, two draws, nine losses) finished third in the Australian conference and 12th overall in what Graham describes as a frustrating season.

"They got themselves to the point where I think we led 10 or 11 games at that 65, 66-minute mark," Graham said.

"So we're capable and, as soon as the players understand that themselves, (winning) will become a consistent habit for us."

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