Missionary man gets with the Force
Jordan Rapana, left, playing for Gold Coast Titans in 2008
The Western Force have signed former Gold Coast Titans rugby league outside back Jordan Rapana, who has returned from overseas missionary work.
The New Zealand born 21-year-old spent a week with the Force earlier this month after finishing his work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England and Wales.
He left coach Richard Graham in no doubt that he is a prospect for the future. In his first training session, he recorded the second fastest time of all Force players this year based on a GPS monitored session. Only David Smith was faster.
"I saw one or two things that showed this kid has ability," Graham said.
"Considering he hasn't trained with a professional group for two years, he is in good condition."
Rapana, who has signed for one season with the Force, was the youngest player to make a debut for the Titans in 2008, scoring two tries against the Roosters.
He played rugby union as a junior and while on mission work in Gloucester, Worcester, Cardiff and Swansea his desire to return to the code was rekindled, particularly after meeting former All Blacks Rico Gear and Sam Tuitupou, who were playing for Worcester.
He will join the Force tour to Samoa in August.
