The embattled Reds appear to have lost another player to a rival Australian Super Rugby team, with seven-Test centre Ben Tapuai believed to have signed with the Western Force.

Tapuai appears set to join ex-NSW and Reds player Jono Lance in Perth next season, as the struggling franchise look to augment the talent of backs Kyle Godwin and Dane Haylett-Petty with some much-needed experience.

Go west: Ben Tapuai looks to kick-start his career with the Western Force. Credit:Getty Images

Stormers five-eighth and five-Test Springbok Peter Grant has also been linked to the club, and it is believed that deal is close to being done.

Tapuai, 26, endured an injury-hampered season at Ballymore, and after a start out of position at fullback in March, then found himself stuck behind Wallabies bolter Samu Kerevi and even Karmichael Hunt for his preferred mid-field spot.