The Western Force is delighted to announce that Jake Strachan, Grason Makara and Jackson Pugh have all re-signed with the club.
With each of the three players under the age of 25, the contract extensions signal the club’s continued efforts to nurture young Australian talent. Homegrown players Makara and Pugh have both come through the Force Academy pathway.
Strachan, who has penned a two-year deal, enjoyed a strong finish to the Super Rugby season with consecutive starts at 15 against the Crusaders and Blues in New Zealand. The 24-year-old now has 12 Force caps to his name and the silky skilled back will be looking to continue his fine form in the years to come.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity that Tim (Sampson) and Matt (Hodgson) have given me. We’re building something very special at the Force and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Strachan said.
“I’ve learned a lot this year and gained a lot of confidence, which I can’t wait to bring to the field next season.”
Wanneroo local product Makara, who made his Force debut in the opening round of the Global Rapid Rugby competition in 2020, has greatly developed his game over the past couple of years with the club and the 21-year-old is determined to make his Super Rugby debut after signing a new one-year contract.
“The Force has done so much for me in my career and I can’t wait for another year with the club,” Makara said.
“Coming out of the Academy system I was prepared for professional rugby and the boys have been really supportive. I feel right at home.”
Pugh, a homegrown lock of the Force Academy system, has been working tirelessly on the training track with the senior squad and showing fantastic promise in the Fortescue Premier Grade competition on a weekly basis for local side Palmyra. With a new one-year deal secured for the 21-year-old, Pugh is thrilled to be continuing with his hometown club.
“It’s really exciting to be continuing with the Force, especially after the success the club enjoyed this year,” Pugh explained.
“I’m looking forward to learning from Izack Rodda and pushing for selection next year. I’m loving it here and it’s great to be a part of the club moving forward.”
Force head coach Tim Sampson stated the trio have worked hard and he can’t wait to see them grow with the experiences to come with the Force.
“We’ve got a lot of faith in Jake. He’s shown a lot of growth this year after working alongside Rob Kearney. He’s faster and stronger this year and he’s been great to watch with the ball in his hands,” Sampson said.
“Jackson is an exceptional player who is very mobile and we’re expecting big things from him. He’s got great experience around him with Jeremy Thrush and Sita Timani, so I’m sure he will learn from them and develop his game even further.
“Grason’s a fantastic local product and everyone is quite excited about his potential. He’s highly regarded amongst his peers, and he’s been playing exceptionally well for Wanneroo this season.”
