Former All Black Isitolo Maka appointed 1st Grade Forwards Coach
Season 2019 is beginning to take shape with former All Black Isitolo Maka appointed as 1st Grade Forwards Coach for the 2019 season.
Maka, played four caps for the All Blacks, and brings a wealth of experience as a professional player, after also making appearances for the Auckland Blues, Waikato Chiefs and the Otago Highlanders. Maka’s rugby presence was a prominent component of his game, where he had a fierce reputation of being a bulldozing number 8 who would strike fear in anyone who stood in his way.
Not only a highly regarded player, Maka coached the Tongan International team for 2010 and 2011, where he led the island nation to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Tonga arguably pulled off the upset of the tournament defeating France in the pool stages, before the French went on to narrowly lose to New Zealand in an epic final.
1st Grade Head Coach, Craig Robberds, is thrilled to bring Maka into the fold at the Lion’s Den. “Isitolo has a wealth of knowledge of the game, he’s already commenced a number of planning sessions where his input has been great. We are both proud and excited to have someone of his reputation in our rugby club”.
Director of Rugby Junior Luteru is equally eager to ensure Maka’s knowledge and new ideas are embedded into the whole clubs rugby program. “Part of Isitolo’s role will be working with all our backrowers and providing tailored insight in their roles. This is a great opportunity for all our players to learn from a former All Black,” Luteru said.
2019 is shaping up to be a big season with an upcoming tour of Tonga in January and pre-season training commencing on 20 November. The tour of Tonga wouldn’t be possible without the great sponsorship of Canberra Consulting.
The tour will include a match against Tonga A on Saturday 26th January.
For more details about playing for Wests please contact:
Craigrobberds@westsrugby.com.au and Junior@westslions.com.au