Luke White Named Captain for 2020 Season

On Saturday afternoon, head coach Pete Borlase announced that lock Luke White will serve as the Colorado Raptors team captain for the 2020 season.

Entering his sixth season with the club, White is one of the longest-tenured Raptors on the roster. White has been an instrumental part of the club as they transitioned from the Pacific Rugby Premiership to the professional ranks of Major League Rugby.

“To be named captain for the 2020 season is an incredible honor,” White said after the announcement. “It makes me very excited to be able to lead all of my brothers and best mates. It doesn’t change anything in terms of the way I play. Things continue as normal. It’s a very exciting and honorable thing.”

After helping his team reach the inaugural  MLR Championship in 2018, White put together arguably his best season of rugby in 2019. While appearing in all 16 matches the Raptors played in 2019, White finished third in the MLR in ball carries with 180 while also finishing eighth in meters gained with 1,159. He also totaled 159 tackles and three tries.

From backs to forwards, the announcement was received well by his teammates.

“It’s going to be great. He’s really about the boys. He’s really about the team. All he wants to do is win and I think that’s what we need. He’s a great leader. he really knows how to talk to people. We are excited to have him.” – Chad Gough

“Luke is one of the senior guys on the team. He’s been around for a while. He knows the ins and the outs. He’s a fantastic player and an incredible leader as well on and off the field.” – Carlo de Nysschen

“I think he has the experience. He knows how to talk to everybody. He knows how to get things done and motivate the boys. He knows how to get things done.” – Ryan James

“He’s a great player. He fronts up every day. He brings a lot of energy. Through the preseason he’s already stepped into the role and asserted himself as the leader in the group.” – Kody O’Neil

White will see his first action as captain when he takes the Raptors into Houston for their first match of the season against the SaberCats. The match is slated to kick off at 10 AM Mountain Time. Broadcast information will be released this week.

Get to know the Raptors’ new captain by listening to his interview below.