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.<\/p>\n
The 31-year-old Wests Scarborough openside flanker has played 43 Super Rugby games for the Force, since debuting in 2015.<\/p>\n
WA-born-and-bred Koteka\u2019s long association with the Force dates back to becoming the first member of the Future Force Academy to make a Super Rugby appearance.<\/p>\n
In 2021, he was crowned the Force\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Western Force 2026 Memberships are on sale NOW! Become a Force Member today!<\/a><\/p>\n More recently, Koteka impressed over the past month with three starts as the Force reached the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final.<\/p>\n Koteka was a valuable back-up to Carlo Tizzano at openside flanker in 2025, completing 76 successful tackles in his four games.<\/p>\n He will continue to push for a starting berth in the 2026 season and provide a positive culture and leadership influence around the group.<\/p>\n Force head coach Simon Cron said: \u201cHe\u2019s WA through and through. He\u2019s a Western Force stalwart.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s motivated to be the best he can be. He brings high leadership qualities for a softly spoken guy.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s really keen to challenge for the jersey which is critically important.\u201d<\/p>\n Koteka said: \u201cI\u2019m really excited to be re-signing for the 2026 season. Perth is home for me and I\u2019m proud to continue representing the people and place I grew up in.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got a great group of men here and I\u2019m confident we can keep growing and achieve something special together next year.\u201d<\/p>\n