Born in Auckland, Makalio played representative rugby for Auckland from under-15s level through to Auckland B.
He made the move south to link up with the Harlequins club in Blenheim, and went on to make his provincial debut for Tasman in 2016.
The hooker played in all 12 games that season, including the Premiership Final against Canterbury. Three days after that match, Makalio was named in the Crusaders squad for 2017 and earned his first Super Rugby cap in round eight of the side’s Championship-winning season.
In May 2017, Makalio was selected to represent the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians side who faced the British and Irish Lions in an historic match in Whangarei during their tour to New Zealand. The powerful front-rower has played six games so far this season for the Crusaders and scored two tries – a double in the Crusaders’ 55-10 win over the Rebels in Melbourne.
In May 2018, he re-committed to the Crusaders for the 2019 Super Rugby season.
Makalio, named for the Crusaders squad ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season has obtained 33 caps.
ML 17/12/19
Career
 |
Tasman Mako Loosehead Prop |
2016 - present |
 |
Crusaders Hooker |
2017 - present |
 |
NZ Provincial Barbarians XV Hooker |
2017 - present |
 |
Barbarians Hooker |
2019 - present |
