Former Super Rugby players sign on for Wests Rugby 2018

 

Former Western Force and Wests Rugby stalwarts, Troy Takiari and Jon McGrath have been appointed as specialist skills coaches for the 2018 season. Takiari, a front row forward, and McGrath, a former half back, will focus on increasing core skills, to ensure the Wests rugby program for 2018 is the best in Canberra.

 

Takiari, a 28 capped Super Rugby player for both the Force and Waratahs, is looking forward to the opportunity to develop and work with the various squads within the club.

 

“A solid game plan is only as strong as the core basic skills of our the players on the paddock. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with some of the best players in Canberra, and also assist in developing some of our younger talent coming through Colts in 2018,” Takiari said.

 

Jon McGrath, who spent two seasons with the Force, is equally as enthusiastic to support the 2018 season, “Wests has always played an expansive brand of rugby, and being able to ensure our backs have the skills to support this is both challenging and very rewarding opportunity”.

 

Wests Head Coach, Craig Robberds is pleased to have such a high calibre duo come on board. “We want our rugby program to be the best for players of all abilities. Jon and Troy’s experience is a huge boost, and players across all our grades will benefit from their appointment. They will also provide a great mentor role to the guys in our club who want to take their careers to the next level,” Robberds said.

 

The Lions have been training hard prior to the holiday period, however will take a well-earned break over Christmas, before re-commencing training in mid-January.