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http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226057064053
New Zealand lock Toby Lynn will cross the Tasman next season after signing a two year deal with the Emirates Western Force, adding further experience to an impressive forward pack at the Perth club.
The 26 year old, who has chalked up 32 Super Rugby caps with the Chiefs after making his debut in 2007 and 65 games with Waikato in the ITM Cup, is excited about working alongside Emirates Western Force incumbent second rowers, Nathan Sharpe and exciting youngster Sam Wykes.
“I’ve played my whole career in Waikato and felt that it was time for a change, a different perspective, and I’m pretty excited about what the Force can do for my rugby as well as what they can achieve as a team in the Super Rugby competition,” Lynn said.
“I’ve played against Nathan Sharpe a few times, he is definitely one of the premier locks in the world, and has been for some time, so getting alongside him will be an awesome experience.”
Lynn is Australian eligible through his grandfather who was born in Perth, while the benefits of rugby in WA have been given a big tick by fellow Kiwi and current Emirates Western Force flyhalf, Willie Ripia, who played alongside Lynn as a youngster in the Waikato region.
“I know Willie quite well, he’s a good man. I had a chat to him a couple of weeks ago about the move and he loves it. He said he wished he had moved over a few years ago, he really couldn’t have said better things about the place,” Lynn said.
Emirates Western Force Head Coach Richard Graham said Lynn will be a valuable recruit in a forward pack that has a great spread of youth and experience.
“The obvious aspect of recruitment is trying to improve your squad and in Toby I saw a guy who, at 26, is experienced in Super Rugby and I thought he could add something,” Graham said.
“With the addition of another franchise in the Australian conference it’s a test of depth within the Australian franchises and important that you don’t limit yourself to where you look for talent. We’re working extremely hard to find who is available throughout world rugby.
“Toby is a really industrious and hard-working lock. He is strong at the set-piece and will bring with him his experiences of playing in New Zealand during his professional career,” added Graham.
Profile: Toby Lynn
DOB: 6/10/1984
Position: Lock
Height: 197cm
Weight: 113kg
Super Rugby: Chiefs (32 caps)
Provincial: Waikato (65 caps)
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Originally Posted by slomo
Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
