Eaton signs short-term contract with the Force

[GAFFA]

Western Force have signed former Hurricanes scrum-half Chris Eaton on a short-term contract.

The No.9 has been brought into the Super Rugby squad as cover for Brett Sheehan who is still recovering from the ankle he broke in his run-on debut for the Wallabies against Italy in November in Florence.

Eaton, 28, trained yesterday in Perth with Force squad members who have not travelled to South Africa.

Sheehan expects to be ready for the clash against the Reds in Brisbane on March 16, or the first home game, against the Cheetahs on March 22.

Super squads carry three scrum-halves and the Force have brought Eaton in as cover for Alby Mathewson and Mick Snowden. Eaton played for the Force A side that beat the Rebels Rising side 23-16.

He made 27 appearances in two years at the Hurricanes. Eaton is the brother of All Blacks and Hurricanes second-rower Jason.

Another new signing, utility back Sam Norton-Knight, twice capped by the Wallabies, has also arrived in Perth after finishing his season with Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights.

Eaton, who grew up with Mathewson in the Hawkes Bay area, was considering a move to Europe but wanted to stay in Super Rugby.

"It's good timing for me and I'll be taking it day by day, training as hard as I can," he said. "There is an opportunity here. Hopefully I can get a few games at Super level."

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...ith-the-force/

[Alison]

If Sheehan expects to be back so soon and our marquee is a No. 9, what's the point??

Feel sorry for Mick Snowden too - he deserves a shot. Eaton's signing won't do much for his confidence.

[jono]

If Sheehan expects to be back so soon and our marquee is a No. 9, what's the point??

Feel sorry for Mick Snowden too - he deserves a shot. Eaton's signing won't do much for his confidence.

What's his kicking average?
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[GAFFA]

If Sheehan expects to be back so soon and our marquee is a No. 9, what's the point??

Feel sorry for Mick Snowden too - he deserves a shot. Eaton's signing won't do much for his confidence.

its a 3 game contract what happens if snowden or mathewson go done this week? its just insurance good planning

[Alison]

its a 3 game contract what happens if snowden or mathewson go done this week? its just insurance good planning

Good point!

[shasta]

At first read I was thinking Jason. Could make good use of him.
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[Darren]

its a 3 game contract what happens if snowden or mathewson go done this week? its just insurance good planning

If I remember right, once a player plays 4 game they have to get a full contract so 3 games is the standard starting point for short term contracts. It certainly can;t hurt much, wouldn't cost much in the overall budget. A bit of forethought can go a long way ...

[PeterM]

Makes me wonder a couple of things how long has be been available for? If he was available before hand why didn't we go for him rather than some of our other choices?

[Sheikh]

I think he was around for the pre-season matches

[Gruffalo]

Western Ferns. How many kiwis now ?
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[Chopper1]

I don't care how many Kiwi's we have as long as we are winning.....

[WF1964]

I don't care how many Kiwi's we have as long as we are winning.....

Same

WA should secede and become the West Island of New Zealand

[sittingbison]

Same

WA should secede and become the West Island of New Zealand

we have tried the seceding bit before, both a success and a failure in one fell swoop

[wingman]

would have thought some local 9's might be the safety net option . i wonder if a local club has signed him up yet ?

[jarrad]

Rockingham calls "Shotgun" on him!!!!!!