The Western Force is rapt to confirm the signing of back-rower Aden Ekanayake on a three-year deal, signing with the Club out of the Australia 7s set-up.
Australia U20s international Ekanayake’s move to the Force will see him switch his focus back to the 15-a-side game, having been on the HSBC SVNS circuit in the past two seasons.
The 21-year-old talent impressed in Sevens, including being nominated for World Rugby’s Rookie of the Year in 2024-25 along with jointly winning Rugby Australia’s Junior Men’s Player of the Year with Sid Harvey.
Ekanayake has plenty of 15-a-side experience, including being part of Australia’s squad at the World Rugby U20 Championships in both 2024 and 2025.
Sydney-born Ekanayake played his junior rugby for Gordon and attended Barker College, joining the NSW Waratahs set-up at under-age level.
Force head coach Simon Cron said he was excited to bring Ekanayake back into the 15-a-side game and into the Force fold.
Cron said: “Aden is a young exciting back-rower. Coming out of 7s he has a huge engine and repeatability.
“He has an enormous upside and with that high ceiling we can’t wait to start coaching him. We’re looking forward to helping him get back into 15s.
“He adds to our team environment. He’ll fit in really well culturally with our group.”
Ekanayake said: “I’m very excited about joining the Force. It’s a big move but the upside is really big. Super Rugby is a different beast from rugby sevens, so I can’t wait for it.
“Crono seems like a really good coach and a good guy. I’m keen to work with him and the coaches and players over there.
“I watched first hand the Force game in Sydney last season and really like the side’s style of footy, playing uptempo and upbeat. The culture also seems really tight knit. That’s something I’d love to be a part of.
“It’s going to be an exciting challenge going from sevens back to 15s which is a lot more physical. Moving my life across the country is exciting too but I cannot wait for it.”
Aden Ekanayake
DOB: 18/3/2005 Place of Birth: Sydney, Australia Height: 191cm Position: Back-rower Junior club: Gordon (NSW)
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