Western Force recruit Aden Ekanayake touched down in Perth this week and says he’s excited to join his new club.
The 21-year-old back-rower joined the Force this week for training ahead of the upcoming Super Rugby AUS competition.
Ekanayake was signed following two years on the HSBC SVNS circuit with the Aussie 7s side, where he was nominated for the Rookie of the Year for 2024-25.
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However, he has plenty of 15-a-side experience, playing for Australia at the 2024 and 2025 World Rugby U20 Championships.
He grew up on Sydney’s North Shore in Pymble and was schooled at Barker College before joining the NSW Waratahs at under-age level.
The agile flanker is now part of the Force set-up and eager to rip into training.
When asked about what he hopes to bring to the Force, he said: “Hopefully that physicality and bring my skillset and see where I can apply it in the 15s game.
“It’ll be a lot less running but a lot more contact.”
Ekanayake will be living with Force teammate Wallace Charlie in Cottesloe, having toured together as part of the HSBC SVNS.
“I don’t overly know the squad,” Ekanayake said. “I know a few boys from back in Sydney.
“Obviously Wal but a lot of new faces and people to meet. (Living with Wal) will be good, just like old times.”
Ekanayake only experienced in Perth came during the previous two SVNS series at HBF Park. He said he was excited to live in the west but also be part of the Force set-up.
“It seems like a cool place,” he said. “Everyone here is close. It’s got a good culture here. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
The 2026 Super Rugby AUS season commences on Saturday 12 September with the Force away to the Queensland Reds at Ballymore Stadium. All games are live on rugby.com.au YouTube channel.
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