Luke Doherty has made the switch to the Waratahs from Japanese side Kyuden © Getty Images

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Tournaments/Tours: Super 14

Teams: Australia | New South Wales Waratahs

The Waratahs have secured the services of former Reds and Western Force forward Luke Doherty for the Super 14 season.

Doherty, who played for the Reds between 2003 and 2005 and the Force in 2006 and 2007, joins from Japanese side Kyuden. He has also enjoyed a spell with Italian Super 10 side Calvisano, and represented Australia 'A' in 2005.

"Luke has had a lot of experience for a 27-year-old and that's going to serve us really well throughout the campaign," said Waratahs head coach Chris Hickey. "Depth in the squad is a factor for every team in the Super 14 and Luke certainly adds that to the forward pack.

"We always said we'd only add to the playing roster if we could get the right man for the job, and I'm confident that even though we've had to wait until now, that we've got our man."

Hickey will not be considered for Friday's tie with the Chiefs at Sydney Football Stadium, but will make his return to action for the Junior Waratahs against the Australian Barbarians in the game's curtain-raiser. The Waratahs got their season off to a successful start last weekend with a 26-22 win over the Hurricanes in Wellington.

"It's great to be back in Australia and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in with the Waratahs," said Doherty. "I really enjoyed my time in Japan, but this is another challenge and hopefully I can play a significant role within the team.

"It's a shame I couldn't be here for the pre-season, but my club commitments in Japan prevented me from doing so. That said, I'm here now and am ready to go. "It's going to be a real battle to force my way into the 22. Chris [Hickey] has made it clear the side will be picked on form so hopefully I can repay the faith he has in me and play a role in the weeks to come."