England's Gollings a Red rover?
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:47
English Sevens star Ben Gollings could well be on the verge of a move to Australia's Queensland-based Reds Super 14 franchise.
The player has been included in the Reds' development squad currently touring Ireland and France, and Reds coach Phil Mooney has confirmed that Gollings is on trial.
"We actually had a couple of late withdrawals and Benny is an old, experienced footballer so we've basically bought him along to give us a bit of experience and I guess effectively trial him for one of those overseas positions," Mooney told rugbyheaven.com.au, referring to the overseas spots available for foreign players in the Reds squad for next year's Super 14.
Gollings currently plays for Brisbane club Sunnybank in the Queensland Premier competition, having completed a season with Japanese team Toyota Shokki.
The Sevens star has previously played for Guinness Premiership clubs Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons and Worcester.
Gollings started the Reds' first tour game at flyhalf, and failed to make a major impression as the Queensland side lost 24-0 to Magners League side Ulster.
He has an impressive record in Sevens rugby, and hold the distinction of being the first player to reach 1500 career points in International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens.
Gollings remains the highest point-scorer in IRB Sevens.
Meanwhile, it seems that the Reds' recent recruitment push could cause some hefty competition for the No.15 jersey, with 19-year-old former League player Rod Davies looking good at fullback against Connacht.
Davies could conceivably be up against Wallaby wing Peter Hynes, 21-year-old Brando Va'aulu, and recent recruit Mark McLinden for the fullback berth in next year's Super 14.
The Reds have two more matches before concluding their tour, of which the first is against Magners League champions Leinster in Dublin on Saturday.
After that, they will face French side Nice next Wednesday before heading back home to Brisbane.
