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Brumbies lock-in another big runner

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:41

Brumbies captain and loose forward star Stephen Hoiles has renewed his contract with the ACT-based side until the end of 2012.

Hoiles led the side in each of their 13 matches this season, having assumed the captaincy from Stirling Mortlock for the 2009 season.

The mobile back row forward, who has played 16 Tests for the Wallabies, was recognised for a stellar 2010 season in receiving the Brumbies' best forward award last month.

The 28-year-old has played 47 Super 14 matches for the Brumbies since joining the side from the Waratahs for the 2007 season. His career tally stands at 77 Super Rugby matches.

Hoiles says his preference was always to stay in Canberra with the Brumbies.

"To be honest, I didn't want to play anywhere else," he said.

"I've really enjoyed my time in Canberra. This group has the potential to achieve a lot more than we did this season and I certainly want to do my part to ensure that we can realise that potential.

"Next year will essentially be the second year together as the current playing group. Everyone was left very frustrated at finishing one game out of the finals this year and we all know that we're capable of more.

"There is a realisation that each of us is capable of individual improvement but that we're also capable of considerable improvement as a team," he added.

"And while I don't want to set any lofty expectations on the side at this stage, it's exciting to think what we're able to achieve and I'm really looking forward to being a part of it again."

Hoiles says chasing further Test representation was an added incentive to remaining with the Brumbies. "The World Cup is certainly a big thing for everyone playing in Australia next year," he admitted.

"You never give up on playing for your country and I know that playing in Canberra gives me the best opportunity to do that.

"I definitely feel I have more to achieve at that [international] level. I don't want to tread water and just be happy with what I've already done; I'm keen to keep pushing myself and not have any regrets after my time with the Wallabies and the Brumbies."

Brumbies head coach Andy Friend says Hoiles's re-signing further consolidated the squad ahead of next year's expanded Super Rugby competition.

"Stephen has done an excellent job since taking over the captaincy," said Friend. "He's a very smart and experienced footballer. He reads the play exceptionally well, he's got great ball skills and he's very good in contact.

"He was outstanding for us this season. He was consistently amongst our best performers and I think the best reflection of his form was in receiving the best forward award in what is virtually an all-Wallaby forward pack.

"He thoroughly deserved his place back in the Wallabies fold and it was unfortunate that he was robbed of a chance to add to his Test tally by injury. But he's coming back well from the operation and I'd like to think he'll be part of that squad that heads to Hong Kong and Europe with the Wallabies when their year-end tour squad is named later this year."

Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan added his two cents' worth: "It's always a good day when you can announce the re-signing of a senior player, let alone your captain.

"Steve made it clear to us early in the piece that he wanted to stay and we were equally as keen to ensure he remained with us beyond 2010.

"Steve's been a very consistent performer for us on the field over the past four years and he's a great personality to have around the squad and the organisation.

"With such a fantastic young crop of openside flankers available to us next season it was important to retain senior players like Stephen and Rocky to ensure that we had considerable back row experience in positions that are so influential in the modern game."

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