Western Force add Wests Scarborough Boars to bolster Super Rugby AU squad

Tue, Jun 16, 2020, 2:35 AM
Rugby WA Media
by Rugby WA Media

Two talented locals hailing from Wests Scarborough rugby club will add further depth to the Force squad for the upcoming Vodafone Super Rugby AU competition.

Perth born and raised Kane Koteka and Jordan Luke recently returned home from playing stints in Japan and Brisbane respectively and have impressed with their commitment and desire to succeed.

Koteka previously played 11 games of Super Rugby with the Force between 2015 and 2017 before moving to Japan to join Top Challenge League team Kaimashi Seawaves. He learnt the game at Wests Scarborough and is a product of the Future Force Academy system.

“It’s awesome to be back after two years in Japan. I always planned to come back to the Force. Perth is where I grew up and I grew up supporting this team,” Koteka said.

“I was watching from Japan and I was actually really jealous, I felt like I missed out, to be honest. It’s an awesome environment and they were getting huge crowds and playing some great rugby so I’m definitely looking forward to being part of it this year.”

 

The 26-year-old flanker returned home to his family when the Covid-19 crisis hit and was thrilled when the opportunity to play for the Force again presented itself.

“I found out they wanted me on a Wednesday, and I was at the club training on Thursday,” he explained.

“It was really good to see so many familiar faces and meet new players and staff. I’m so excited to be back.

Jordan Luke originally joined the Force squad at the start of the year as Global Rapid Rugby season cover for the injured Jonah Placid and made the most of his opportunity.

The 26-year-old winger from Wests first caught coach Tim Sampson’s eye when playing with Brisbane City in the 2019 National Rugby Championship.


“It’s been a childhood dream of mine. I was walking my dog when I got the call and Tim said ‘we’re pretty interested in having you over’. I was shocked but very happy, it’s something I will always remember,” Luke said.

“So far it has been awesome, it has been everything I have expected and more. I probably wouldn’t have wanted a global pandemic to be an introduction, but even with the Zoom calls it has been really good.”


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