Jacob proves a real Force
Warnbro teenager Jacob Foster-Hall’s dream of playing for the Wallabies is one step closer after he was selected in the Western Force State Junior Rugby Gold Cup team.
Selected late last year, the 15-year-old Aranmore Catholic College student said he was excited about playing alongside the best junior players in the State.
Growing up in England, Jacob developed a passion for rugby when he was four years old.
To increase his chance of fulfilling his dream, the family moved to Australia in 2008.
Playing position 13, outside centre, Jacob said he enjoyed being out the back and hitting up the play.
He said he was selected for the Gold Cup team when he played in Darwin in October.
“I enjoyed playing other States and seeing the competition,” he said. “I have learnt a lot since then, especially my vision and reading of the game.”
He said the coming months would be hectic with training sessions every night of the week leading up to the games in March.
The Gold Cup will be held in Queensland, but in April Jacob will head to Paris to play for the Kwinana Rugby Union Club in the international junior Rugby Cup.
Rugby WA junior league coach Dwayne Nestor said Jacob had what it took to play professionally.
“Jacob is one of the more talented players,” he said.
“He has developed his core skill and game sense.”
Jacob’s mother Philippa said it was difficult chaperoning Jacob to training and games, and not getting home until 9pm, but said it was a sacrifice she was prepared to make.
“That’s why we moved to Australia,” she said.
Port Kennedy-based Atwell Fitness owner Lance Allegretta said he was proud to sponsor Jacob.
To help Jacob raise money for his travel expenses, Allegretta has offered a woman’s strengthening class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He said it cost $10 to enter, including a raffle ticket, and encouraged anyone to join.
