The Western Force is rapt to confirm the re-signing of talented ex-Australia U20 international Taj Annan on a two-year deal.
The 22-year-old utility back joined the Force set-up in late 2025, making his Club debut in the Round 5 clash away to the Hurricanes after being added on an injury cover contract.
Annan previously spent time with the Queensland Reds, where he made 13 Super Rugby appearances in 2023 and 2024, while he linked up with the Force after an NRL stint with the Newcastle Knights in 2025.
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Newcastle-born Annan, who studied at Brisbane Boys’ College, played for Easts in Queensland’s Hospital Cup before earning his opportunity with the Reds, making his Super Rugby debut in Round 1 of the 2023 season.
Following the 2023 season, he earned Australia U20s selection, playing at the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.
He impressed during his maiden season at the Force, albeit with limited playing opportunities, followed by a stint with Wildfires in NSW's Shute Shield before recently undergoing a double hip surgery to be fully fit for pre-season commencing in November.
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “The majority of the team that we had last year we want to keep under our roof and Taj is one of those.
“He came into the club with a good knowledge of the game and high communication skills.
“He is a very talented athlete but was carrying a number of injuries that were preventing him from achieving his best.
“We see him as a high ceiling player that we can invest in. He’ll add to our environment both culturally and as an athlete.”
Annan, who can play as a fly-half, winger or full-back, was thrilled to extend his stay in WA, having enjoyed his maiden season.
“I’m extremely excited to re-sign,” Annan said. “The club is moving in a good direction, as shown by the strong finish to last season, so I’m thrilled to commit long term.
“I want to repay the club for the faith they’ve shown in me, offering me the opportunity to come over last year. I also feel like I’ve got unfinished business in rugby too.
“It’s a fantastic group over here. We speak about WA being our chosen home and it is to me, as it’s a great club to be part of and an awesome place to live in.
“I’m grateful to the Force medical staff who’ve worked closely with me, putting time into my body to be firing fit and have my best rugby ahead of me.”
“The coaching staff have been fantastic for me, helping me develop and I just want to put my best foot forward to keep improving at the Force.”
Taj Annan
DOB: 16/8/2003
Position: Utility back
Place of birth: Newcastle, NSW
Height: 193cm
Junior club: Merewether Carlton
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Get to know Taj
Sporting idol: Brian O'Driscoll
Interests outside of rugby: Beach, painting, travelling
Skills outside of rugby: Pro chef, cricketer
Best achievement outside of rugby: Business Diploma
Team supported as a kid: South Sydney Rabbitohs (NRL)
Fave music group: Rufus du Sol
Gameday trakc: On My Knees - Rufus du Sol
First app opened in the morning: Weather
Coffee order: Oat latte
Fave part of WA: Sandy Cape, white sand, quiet on the beach
