The Western Force is excited to confirm the re-signing of former Nathan Sharpe medal winner Kane Koteka for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 31-year-old Wests Scarborough openside flanker has played 43 Super Rugby games for the Force, since debuting in 2015.
WA-born-and-bred Koteka’s long association with the Force dates back to becoming the first member of the Future Force Academy to make a Super Rugby appearance.
In 2021, he was crowned the Force’s best player as the Nathan Sharpe medalist following a strong campaign where he took his game to a new level in the Super Rugby AU competition where the Force reached the finals for the first time.
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More recently, Koteka impressed over the past month with three starts as the Force reached the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final.
Koteka was a valuable back-up to Carlo Tizzano at openside flanker in 2025, completing 76 successful tackles in his four games.
He will continue to push for a starting berth in the 2026 season and provide a positive culture and leadership influence around the group.
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “He’s WA through and through. He’s a Western Force stalwart.
“He’s motivated to be the best he can be. He brings high leadership qualities for a softly spoken guy.
“He’s really keen to challenge for the jersey which is critically important.”
Koteka said: “I’m really excited to be re-signing for the 2026 season. Perth is home for me and I’m proud to continue representing the people and place I grew up in.
“We’ve got a great group of men here and I’m confident we can keep growing and achieve something special together next year.”
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Kane Koteka
DOB: 8/11/1994
Place of birth: Perth, WA
Height: 182cm
Position: Openside flanker
Junior club: Wests Scarborough
WA aligned club: Wests Scarborough
Western Force cap #130
Club history
Western Force (2015-2017, 2020- , 43 caps)
Kamaishi Seawaves (2018-2019)
