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Tuesday, 16 June 2009
A Mudskipper Propaganda Initiative
The CA Brumbies have finalised their back row stocks with flankers Mitchell Chapman and Henry Vanderglas each committing to the ACT-based province. Chapman has re-signed on a two-year deal while local product Vanderglas has signed a one-year rookie contract.
Chapman and Vanderglas join Wallabies George Smith, Rocky Elsom and CA Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles as specialist back rowers for the two-time Super Rugby Champions ahead of the 2010 Investec Super 14 season.
Chapman, who joined the CA Brumbies from the Reds for the 2008 season, has played 47 Investec Super 14 matches since making his debut for the Queenslanders against the Crusaders in 2005. The former Australian Schoolboys captain missed the first half of the 2009 season returning from shoulder surgery before starting in seven of the side’s final eight matches.
The 26-year-old, who has also represented Australia A in 2006 and 2008, says he’s pleased to remain with the CA Brumbies.
“My priority was always to stay in Canberra,” he said. “I’ve loved being part of the Brumbies and I felt like this season I started getting to a point where I was playing some of my best football.
“I don’t think it’s any secret that the back row will be one of our strengths next year and being a part of that is something I’m looking forward to. I still hold a strong desire to represent the Wallabies and I think I’m best placed to do that at the Brumbies.
“There’s no doubt we’re building to something pretty special here in the next year or so, and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
Vanderglas joined Brumbies Rugby on an Academy contract at the beginning of the 2009 season having represented Canberra club, Easts, in their 2008 John I Dent Cup grand final season. The former St Edmund’s College student made his Investec Super 14 debut against the Hurricanes and represented the Australian Sevens side in their Wellington, Dubai, Hong Kong Adelaide, Edinburgh and London tournaments.
Vanderglas, who scored a competition high 13 tries in last year’s John I Dent Cup, says he’s keen to add to his three Investec Super 14 caps.
“I’ve loved being part of the Brumbies this year,” he said. “I’ve grown up in Canberra and always wanted to play for the Brumbies, and to have that opportunity this year was unbelievable.
“I was grateful for the chances I was given this season and I certainly want to build on that next year.
“I’ve learnt a lot about the technical parts of the game from [CA Brumbies Forwards Coach] Owen Finegan as well as learning a lot from the older guys in the team, like Hoilesy [Stephen Hoiles] and George Smith. I’m really excited about next season and I can’t wait for the pre-season to begin.”
Head Coach Andy Friend says the retention of Chapman and Vanderglas consolidates a star-studded CA Brumbies back row for 2010.
“A quality back row is integral to the success of football side and we’re very fortunate to have such incredible depth at 6, 7 and 8 for next season,” he said. “However, there can be no guarantees for any player and there’ll be first class competition for positions.
“Mitch was outstanding for us through the back half of the year after returning from an off-season shoulder surgery. His work rate was excellent, he provides a first-class lineout option and he has the ability to regularly dent or break the defensive line. There’s no question he was among the top ‘6’s in the competition and I’m sure he’ll be giving the Wallaby selectors a lot to think about next year as well.
“Henry is one of the younger members of the squad who made the most of his opportunities at both Super 14 and Sevens in 2009. He’s a very athletic flanker who reads the game very well. His attitude towards his football is first rate and he’s shown that he’s someone that can be counted on to do the hard work. It’s also fantastic to see another local product come through the ranks and join other Canberra juniors like Guy Shepherdson, Huia Edmonds, Peter Kimlin and now Matt Giteau in the Brumbies squad.”
Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says the retention of Chapman and Vanderglas further completes a strong CA Brumbies squad in 2010.
“We’re very pleased to have both Henry and Mitch returning for the Brumbies in 2010,” he said. “With both of them joining the likes of Steve Hoiles, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, and someone like Peter Kimlin if needs be, we’re confident that we’ll be running out one of the strongest back rows in the Super 14.”
Mitchell Chapman
Position: Flanker/lock
Physical: 1.97m, 110kg
Age: 15.03.1983, Sydney
Super 14 Caps: 47
Super 14 Points: 20 (4t)
Super 14 Debut: 2005 (Reds) v Crusaders, Nelson
Henry Vanderglas
Position: Flanker
Physical: 1.92m, 103kg
Age: 09.05.1985, Canberra
Super 14 Caps: 3
Super 14 Points: -
Super 14 Debut: 2009 v Hurricanes, Wellington
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/56259