The 28-year-old Canada internationalist spent two seasons at Edinburgh under Frank Hadden before leaving in 2006 for France where he played for two seasons with Montauban. The highlight of a 20-cap international career was a length-of-the-field try against the All Blacks in the 2007 World Cup.

While in France, a friend with whom he had played youth rugby got in touch to suggest Pyke should try his hand at Australian Rules.

After impressing in a two-week trial in 2009, he made the move Down Under on a permanent basis. He has continued to develop in his new sport and tomorrow will play a key role in its biggest annual event.