Former Nathan Sharpe Medal winner signs new deal with Western Force

Former Nathan Sharpe Medal winner Kane Koteka has re-signed with the Western Force for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, after impressing in three starts during the team’s run to the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final

Koteka, 31, has featured in more than 40 Super Rugby matches for the Force since debuting for the club 10 years ago. While Carlo Tizzano has been a regular starter in recent seasons, Koteka is considered an important back-up option at openside flanker.

The Wests Scarborough backrower started three matches in Super Rugby Pacific last season, wearing the No. 7 jumper against the Crusaders, Brumbies, and Fijian Drua. Koteka played 30 minutes off the bench away to eventual finalists the Chiefs as well.

With Tizzano away on Wallabies duty, Koteka stepped up in Super Rugby AUS as a consistent starter for the Force. It was a memorable season for Koteka and the Force, who hosted the Grand Final against the NSW Waratahs.

As the focus shifts from that competition to pre-season ahead of the new Super Rugby Pacific campaign, Force coach Simon Cron explained how valuable Koteka is to the group.

“He’s WA through and through. He’s a Western Force stalwart,” Cron said in a statement.

“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 debuted for the Force off the bench in a 13-42 loss to the Hurricanes on February 27, 2015. The flanker started three matches that season, before playing five matches across the next two campaigns.

In 2021, the loose forward enjoyed a career-best season, crowned the Nathan Sharpe Medal winner as the Force’s best player. The Force reached the finals for the first time that season, losing the Super Rugby AU semi-final to the Brumbies.

Koteka holds a special place in the club’s history as the first graduate of the Future Force Academy to play a Super Rugby match. 10 years on, Koteka will continue to play a role in the team’s quest for the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs and beyond.

“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,” Koteka added.

“We’ve got a great group of men here and I’m confident we can keep growing and achieve something special together next year.”