Western Force Press Release (edited)
The Western Force has continued their recruitment drive for the 2012 season by adding young outside back Jordan Rapana to their squad.
Rapana heads west after recently returning to Australia following a two year religious mission in the UK while he also makes the switch to rugby after a stint in league.
Drafted by the Gold Coast Titans directly from high school, Rapana was the youngest player in the club’s history (18yrs) when he debuted in 2008. He played five NRL games and scored five tries, including two against the Roosters in his first match.
Such was his impact in his rookie season Rapana was named in the U20’s Team of the Year and selected to play for NZ Maori against the NRL Indigenous All-Stars in a feature match to open the 2009 Rugby League World Cup.
A commitment to his Mormon faith saw him opt out of the second year of his contract at the Titans and he spent the next two years abroad based in the rugby heartlands of England and Wales.
While the New Zealand born youngster was unable to participate in any professional programmes during his missionary work, his time in Gloucester, Worcester, Swansea and Cardiff, amongst others, rekindled his love of rugby.
After hearing of Rapana’s return to Australia Western Force coach Richard Graham invited the youngster to trial in Perth and was immediately impressed with his dedication and ability.
“He is quick, and aerially one of the best players I’ve seen in recent times, while he also possesses a very good all round skill set” said Coach Richard Graham.
The 21 year old is the younger brother of 2010 Western Force rookie Joelin Rapana who played a hand in getting him to Perth.
Rapana will remain at home on the Gold Coast and play with the Breakers in the Queensland Premier Rugby competition before joining his new Western Force team mates in Perth ahead of the club’s tour to Samoa in August where they’ll play two matches against the Samoan test team.
Profile
Name: Jordan Rapana
DOB: 15 August 1989
Position: Wing/Fullback
Height: 187cm
Weight: 95kg
Playing History: Gold Coast Titans (NRL) – 5 games / 5 tries (2008)
Honours: NRL U20’s Team of the Year (2008)