Former Western Force and Wallaby hooker Nathan Charles will be indulging in one of his great passions as new RugbyWA chief executive – building the grassroots game.

Charles, who was snatched by the Force from Sydney club rugby in 2010, went on to make a record-breaking 83 appearances as hooker.

“Rugby, and particularly rugby in WA, has always been a huge passion. I’m ecstatic that I’ve got the opportunity to be part of something special,” Charles said.

“Getting involved in the grassroots game, being involved in growing the game from the ground up, is going to be a thrill.

“The WA rugby community gave me pretty much everything I have in terms of my start and opportunities.

“I’m ecstatic that I’ve got the opportunity to be part of something special and take the organisation into a sustainable future and develop grassroots.

“It hurt when the Force were removed.

“They are back and raising the profile, the branding and creating the pathway.

“It’s fantastic what they have done and we now have a clear pathway with opportunities here in WA.”

Charles hung up his boots two years ago after a career that stretched from the Force to France with Clermont, English heavyweights Bath and Wasps and a couple of appearances for Melbourne Rebels.

He had a breakthrough 2014 with a Wallabies call-up before it was brought to a sudden halt with a pectoral tear in just his fourth Test against the All Blacks.

Charles, who has been known as “Cheese” since a youngster – something to do with wanting cheese sandwiches for school he once explained – is also the only person with cystic fibrosis ever to play a contact sport at an elite level.

He is national CF ambassador.

“It is something I’m very passionate about and I’m keen to continue on in that role,” he said.

Charles, who started a health and safety consultancy after retiring from rugby has spent 16 months as general manager of pathways at Athletics West.

He takes over from outgoing chief executive Bob Hunter.

RugbyWA chairman John Edwards said it was a “genuine pleasure” to make the announcement.

“Nathan is a favourite Western Force player and as Wallaby #881 also distinguished himself for Australia at the highest level.

”In addition, even while achieving at these high levels, Nathan has battled cystic fibrosis all his life.

“He is definitely one of a kind.

“We are particularly pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to one of our own Force players.

“As a former Super Rugby player, Wallaby and Classic Wallaby Nathan is already well connected across the various levels of the Rugby community in WA having played club rugby.

“He is also well connected across the national levels of the rugby community.”

RugbyWA patron Geoff Stooke said: “WA rugby is moving into an exciting era, with our elite team back in Super Rugby and the community game improving in standard and participation.