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Nick Taylor The West Australian
May 3, 2014, 10:59 am
Rising talent Luke Burton's selection for the Western Force tour of South Africa has capped a momentous week.
He will leave today on the tour to face the Cheetahs and Stormers just days after being made vice-captain of the Australian under-20 side that beat Samoa 34-5.
He kicked three conversions and a penalty in the win.
Burton's decision to turn down an approach from Melbourne Rebels and sign with the Force this season has been rewarded.
"It's definitely been a big week. I'm really stoked to have been given this oppor- tunity," WA born-and-bred Burton said.
"My family's originally from South Africa so it's special to be able to head there for my first tour with the Force.
"It will be an amazing experience travelling with the boys. I just want to soak it all up and contribute where I can."
When the fly-half/centre returns from tour he will head back to the under-20 camp preparing for the Junior World Cup in New Zealand next month.
"Being with the under-20 squad has been really exciting," he said.
"They're a great bunch of blokes and coaches. We've had a really positive build-up to our World Cup campaign."
Burton, who attended Hale School, came through the WA under-15, 16, 17 and schoolboy sides and was in the Force academy before making the junior Wallabies. He played in all five games at last year's Junior World Cup and scored two tries.
Force coach Michael Foley brought in Burton because of injuries to backs Ed Stubbs, Luke Morahan and Junior Rasolea.
Foley has also added second-rower Phoenix Battye and outside back Patrick Dellit to the squad that beat the Bulls 15-9 last Saturday.
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