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The Emirates Western Force have secured one of Australia’s brightest forward prospects, with teenager Luke Jones signing a one year rookie contract with the club.
Jones, who captained NSW Schools at the recent National Championships, becomes the first forward to sign a full-time professional contract whilst still in school in Australian rugby history.
The 18 year old has played the majority of his representative rugby at lock, but also has the versatility to play blindside flanker or number 8.
A product of St Pius X College in Chatswood, Jones will begin training with the WA club at the completion of the Australian Schoolboys tour of the UK in December.
RugbyWA General Manager, Rugby, Mitch Hardy, said Jones was the outstanding forward at the Schools National Championships.
“Based on his recent performances, we view Luke as a player who will be a candidate for Super 14 selection in 2010,” Hardy said.
“Luke has strong skills, a big motor and is aggressive at the breakdown. As David Pocock has shown here, if you are good enough then you are old enough.
“We have an excellent group of young lock/flankers who we expect to develop quickly under the tutelage of Nathan Sharpe and John Mitchell.”
Jones said he was excited to have the opportunity to move west and push for selection with the likes of Tom Hockings, Sam Wykes, Richard Stanford and the 78-Test veteran Sharpe.
“I’m looking forward to being involved in the professional rugby environment, and the Force have given me the chance to do so,” Jones said.
“Working with John Mitchell and Nathan Sharpe will be really beneficial for my game, and the forward pack at the club is outstanding; there are international players across the board.
“School is the priority for me at this stage, but I can’t wait to arrive in Perth and get involved.”
2010 Emirates Western Force squad (as at 14 August 2009). New squad members in bold:
Backs (16): Mark Bartholomeusz, Ryan Cross, Nick Cummins, Sam Harris, Stefano Hunt, Dane Haylett-Petty, Mitchell Inman, James O’Connor*, Chris O’Young, Andre Pretorius, Haig Sare, Brett Sheehan, Cameron Shepherd, Mark Swanepoel, Josh Tatupu, Justin Turner (A).
Forwards (17): Richard Brown, Pek Cowan, Matt Dunning, Tim Fairbrother, Nic Henderson, Tom Hockings, Matt Hodgson, Luke Jones, David Pocock, Kieran Longbottom, Filipe Manu (A), Ben McCalman, Nathan Sharpe, Richard Stanford, Ryan Tyrrell (A), Ben Whittaker, Sam Wykes.
* yet to sign
(A) senior academy member
FACT FILE
Luke Jones
Position:Lock/6/8
Physical: 1.97m, 108kg
Age: 18 (02/04/1991)
Representative Honours: Australian Schoolboys (2008/2009)