WA stalwart Koteka re-signs with Force for 2026 season

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.

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.”

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)