Four Western Australian talents are the latest additions to the 2026 Western Force Academy as the Club reinforces links with the local pathway.
Southern Lions forward Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage, Mandurah Pirates product Kaiawha Heke, Nedlands back-rower Lachlan Ilott and Kalamunda back-rower Kalani Onno have all earned their way into the Academy squad.
The quartet were all part of the Force’s squad during September and October’s Super Rugby Men’s U16s campaign where the side finished with two wins from four games.
Force academy manager Damian Steele said: “We’re thrilled to have four more exciting WA youngsters join our Academy.
“Their elevations comes after we added WA products Felix Cooper, Chase Bunce, Fatani Fatanitavake and Michael Turukuawa late last year.
“This underlines the good work happening through the RugbyWA under-age pathways and our focus on giving opportunities to local talent with a long-term view to one day being Super Rugby players for the Force.”
Kleine-Deters Ausage captained the Force during last year’s Super Rugby U16s with Heke his deputy. The pair played all four games of the Super Rugby U16s, with Heke showcasing his flexibility at 10 and full-back. Onno and Ilott both played three games.
Kleine-Deters Ausage and Heke both played for Australia’s U16s against the Queensland U17s in December.
The additions take the Force Academy’s WA contingent to 17, following on from the elevations of Cottesloe duo Johan Becroft and Regin Pratt.
