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Reds add more biff to their pack

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:26

Wallaby tourist and Brumbies lock Adam Wallace-Harrison will return to Brisbane and the Reds, following a three season stint in Japan.

The Perth-born forward, who got his professional career start in Queensland before moving to the Brumbies in 2005, has signed a two-year contract and will further boost the experience level at the Reds for the extended Super Rugby competition that kicks off next season.

Reds head coach Ewen McKenzie said Wallace-Harrison's versatility and top level experience will provide depth and competition at lock and blindside flank.

"We saw this year how important it is to have depth in key positions and with a longer, 15-team competition next year that becomes even more significant," McKenzie said.

"Adam can play at six or lock and is a line-out organiser, so he gives us versatility as well as that specialist skill set. The set piece is crucial so you need to have that covered.

"He's committed to the Reds for two years so his experience will be invaluable in our squad development plans.

"We also want competition and Adam is up for that. To some extent he has some unfinished business in Queensland and Australia. He didn't really get the opportunities with the Reds or Wallabies last time around so this is his chance to make a statement," McKenzie said.

Wallace-Harrison had represented West Australia at Under-19 and Under-21 level before relocating to Brisbane to study and play for the Sunnybank club in 2000. He played for Queensland U21 and won a scholarship to the Reds Rugby College in 2002.

He graduated into the Reds squad in 2003 only to have his state debut ruined by a serious knee injury suffered just seconds into his first capped match against the Crusaders at Ballymore.

After limited opportunities in 2004, he moved to the Brumbies at the start of 2005.

A Wallaby tourist in 2005 without winning a Test cap, Wallace-Harrison was a regular starter for the Brumbies in 2006-7 at lock or blindside flank, before heading to Japan following the 2008 Super Rugby season.

"It will be great to come back to Queensland and to help contribute to what Ewen and his team are building at the Reds," Wallace-Harrison said.

"Obviously, I also have some career goals of my own and, having seen where the Reds are heading, it's pretty clear that grabbing this opportunity and making the most of it will be my best chance of achieving them."

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