The Western Force recently announced the delighted signing of Grason Makara and Jackson Pugh.
The young players, both under the age of 25 have re-signed with the team as they showcase their skills on the Super Rugby field. A true display of the unique opportunities the RugbyWA community pathway has to offer, the two players have both come through the Academy pathway and have developed rapidly over the last few years.
A local Wanneroo Rugby Union player, Makara made his debut for the Force team at the opening round of the Global Rapid Rugby competition in 2020. Developing his skills and techniques of the game over years of community club rugby, the 21-year-old is a proud Roo dog representative.
Grasons previous U18’s and Premier Grade coach Steve Cavanagh stated the Wanneroo player is a great pick for the Super Rugby team.
“Grason is a perfect example that along with natural talent hard work both on and off the field there is a path for a young home-grown player to move from club rugby into the Western force.
“As he waits for his opportunity at super level he has returned to Wanneroo and has consistently been outstanding on the field but also been a fantastic role model for the exciting group of young Roo dogs chasing their rugby dreams”, Cavanagh said.
Pugh, calls Palmyra home as he takes to the field each week and is a true representation of how hard work can pay off. Working hard on and off the field, the player is a homegrown lock of the Force Academy system who continues to show his promising skill in the Fortescue Premier Grade competition each week. The local Palmyra club player, credits the community system pathway for assisting in his preparation for professional rugby.
Bob Mckinnon, Chairman of the Future Force Foundation is excited about the recent resigning.
“Both Grason and Jackson are graduates of the Future Force programme under the watchful eye of Steve Anderson. Both attended Aranmore Catholic College in Perth and played with distinction at their respective clubs, Palmyra and Wanneroo”
“The Future Force Foundation which provides financial support to the Future Force programmes takes significant satisfaction in seeing Grason and Jackson following in the footstep of earlier Future force graduates, Kane Koteka, Richard Hardwick, Carlo Tizzano, Ollie Callan and Michael McDonald who are playing with distinction in the Super Rugby competion.
“The emergence of these young men as professional rugby players is testament to the effectiveness of the Future Force programme, in which the Foundation has been investing for some years, in developing high potential Western Australian athletes”.
“With FMG also now supporting the Western Force Senior Academy, the development of young WA rugby players will be further enhanced”, said McKinnon.
