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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)
Last edited by Darren; 17-05-11 at 08:17. Reason: Added Force press release
Not a marquee signing- seems to be more of an insurance policy.
Gee this has gone under the radar. How are we signing him, and by that I mean is he a replacement for David Smith as far as the ARU stipulations go for foreign players?
Generally speaking you aren’t learning much if your lips are moving!!!
No his grandparents are from perth, he'll be classed as an Australian
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"Force coach Richard Graham indicated to O'Connor last week that he had secured a number of well-credentialled forwards"
We now have ten world class Backrowers...
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Interesting signing..we need depth in the backs... how does Hockings and Sam feel when this happens I feel for them....
Great signing we need a bit more "mongrel" in our pack.
Sam has really pushed on this year and would not worry too much, Tom I feel has not really pushed on from the first season when he really showed lots of promise.
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
Good News
61 years between Grand SlamsWas the wait worth it - Ya betta baby
you have a point there.
hockings has faded into the background of late. wykes is having his best season ever, sharpe is, well lets face it, a machine.
barring injurues, hockings wont be starting anytime soon.
and we need to lock in locks for when sharpie finally does retire
Wykes is over rated
Controversy corner
Tomahawk Tom Hockings hasn't really been given much of a chance to shine this year. Boosting 2nd row stocks is fair enough, but we need to look at our front row (esp with Fairbrother leaving) and inside backs...
I haven't given up on Tom yet, still young for a Lock.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Experienced locks are a valuable commodity in Australia. Toby Lynn is a good signing. I think that we'll only be able to hold on to one of Hockings or Battye- The Brumbies have Mark Chisholm, Mitch Chapman and potentially Rocky Elsom to be replaced by a coach who loves big physical players. Plus I'd like to see Wykes used a bit at 6 anyway.
Our most important shopping list at the moment is: A decent, experienced tighthead prop; a 12/13 centre; a 10/12 inside back (unless O'Connor stays- but maybe get one anyway); a winger.
It'd be handy to have a second decent prop (PAE or CAN would do here) and another outside back with a bit of pace or a bit of x-factor (maybe the Force should look into one of the Red's OBs who isn't getting much game time- Toua or Sitauti maybe?; or someone from the U20 JWC).
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast.
Phoenix Battye back to the little pony club... he needs some solid culture...