Promising prop signs for Brumbies
Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:45
The Brumbies have secured the services of promising young tighthead prop Dan Palmer for two seasons.
The 21-year-old is currently a member of the Waratahs squad and made his Super 14 debut for the Tahs against the Highlanders at age 19 in 2008. He has played eight Super 14 matches during 2008 and 2009.
Palmer has been a regular representative at junior national levels having represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2006, Australia U19 in 2007 and Australian U20 in 2008. He says he is excited to be joining the Brumbies from 2011.
"The direction the Brumbies are heading in was a key consideration for me in the process as was putting myself in a position where I could play some regular rugby," he said.
"As a footballer, you want to be playing football.
"I’ve spoken to Youngy [scrum coach Bill Young] and Friendy [head coach Andy Friend] and I’m excited about where they want to take the side. I’ve also spoken to a few ex-Brumbies and a few of the guys there now, and from all reports there’s a great culture there and everyone I’ve spoken to is enjoying or did really enjoy their time there.
"There’s a lot to be learnt from playing alongside guys like Ben Alexander, Shep [Guy Shepherdson] and Salesi [Ma’afu]. They’ve all be around the traps and they’re very qualified at what they do, so I don’t think you can put yourself in a side with those guys and not learn anything off them, which is a very exciting opportunity for me."
Friend says the 1.80m, 115kg Palmer is one of the rising stars of Australian rugby.
"Dan is one of the highest regarded front row prospects in the country at the moment," he said. "Even at 21, he’s already one of the best technical props in Australia and if he continues to develop his current rate then there’s no question he’ll realise his potential.
"While he’s only had limited Super 14 game-time, he’s already shown that even at such a young age in prop years, he’s very capable at mixing it with the best. He’s a very talented player and a great young man and we’re very pleased to have him on board with us from next season."
Young says Palmer is one of the rising stars across all front rows in Australian rugby.
"Dan’s passionate about scrummaging and he’s a good thinker come scrum time," he said. "He has the ability to solve problems and adjust to different styles and techniques of the South Africans and the Kiwis. The fact that he understands scrummaging will make him a great asset for us.
"Physically he’s an outstanding young specimen. He’s only 21, he’s been in a programme for a number of seasons, he’s only going to get better with age and we’re expecting big things from him over the next few years."
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