Queensland Reds second rower Rudi Vedelago and back rower Luke Doherty have agreed to join the Western Force for next year's Toohey's New Super 14 competition.
The 24 year old Vedelago has played more than 25 games for the Reds, making his Super 12 debut in 2003 against the Crusaders. Vedelago has represented Australia at Under/19 and Under/21 levels and played for Australia 'A' in 2002 and 2003. His contract with the Western Force is for 2 years.
Vedelago said he was looking forward to being part of a new franchise, and his decision to join the Western Force had been influenced by the coaching and management team in Perth.
"I need to take my football to the next level and I think John (Mitchell) is the type of coach who will help me get there," he said. "I was also encouraged by the signing of players like Nathan Sharpe, who is a good mate, a good leader and someone I'm keen to play alongside, week-in, week-out."
Vedelago said he'd also been influenced by the need to get more game time. "I'm not going over there to sit on the bench. I aim to be in the starting 15," he said.
Western Force coach John Mitchell said Vedelago was a big man with "presence", who was keen to contribute. "Rudi is looking for more time on the paddock, and we're ready to give him that time and help fine tune some of the little things in his game," Mitchell said. "He first came onto the scene with Australia 'A' and he's at the stage where he's needs to take the next step."
Luke Doherty has played more than 20 games for the Reds, and made his Super 12 debut against the Crusaders in 2003. The 23 year old represented Australia at Schoolboys, Under/19 and Under/21 levels and is a current member of the Australian Rugby Squad.Doherty weighs 106kg and 195cm in height, and can play at both blindside flanker and No. 8.
He's signed a 1 year contract with the Western Force. Doherty described his move west as an exciting and rare opportunity. "Working with John Mitchell, who was also in the back row, will give me the chance to develop the skills I need to become a better footballer," he said.
"John's put together a great coaching team and program, and with the players that have already signed up, we'll be very competitive."
Western Force coach John Mitchell said Doherty had shown glimpses of great promise but had been given limited opportunities in Super 12. "Like Rudi, he's a very good line-out jumper and gives the team an Owen Finegan-type of profile," Mitchell said.