Carter signs on the dotted line
Wed, 07 May 2008 10:15
Hard-running Sydney University centre Tom Carter has committed to the Waratahs for another two seasons just days ahead of possibly his biggest on-field challenge to date.
According to the official Waratahs website, Carter will square up against Stormers skipper and Springbok centre Jean de Villiers in a critical midfield battle when the 'Tahs and the Stormers clash at Newlands on Saturday.
"He's just an incredible player and it's going to be a tough assignment but hopefully myself and Rob Horne can put in a strong performance for the team in midfield," said Carter.
"It just doesn't get any better than re-signing with the Waratahs then playing in a massive match like this one at Newlands.
"There's going to be around 50 000 thousand people, all against us, and it's vital we keep them out of the equation.
"Phil Waugh and Dan Vickerman have told us newcomers what to expect and the message is loud and hostile. I can't wait," said Carter.
The Waratahs line-up will be announced on Thursday.
Emerging centre Carter appeared set for a long-awaited Super 14 debut early in the 2007 season when he was selected to tour South Africa with the Waratahs.
Unfortunately the strongly built 24 year-old succumbed to injury after narrowly missing out on an on-field spot during the trip, back-to-back ankle injuries restricting the talented centre to just a handful of club and NSW A games for the year.
Carter was born in Young on February 25, 1983. A childhood friend of Waratahs teammate Will Caldwell, Carter was educated at Knox Grammar School on Sydney's north shore. He gained NSW Schools selection in 2001 and linked with the Sydney University club upon finishing year 12.
It is at club level that Carter has made his greatest impact, playing in all three of the Students first grade premierships since 2005. It was while playing the 2007 decider that Carter sustained the injury that ruled him out for the entire Australian Rugby Championship.
Prior to making his Super Rugby debut this year Tom travelled to Argentina and Eastern Europe on consecutive development tours.
Tom Carter Factfile:
Position: Centre
Physical: 1.89m, 103kg
Born: 25.02.83, Young, NSW
Club: Sydney University
Provincial Caps: 18
Provincial Points: 20 (4t)
Provincial Debut: 2004 v Salta
Super Rugby Caps: 11
Super Rugby Points: 10 (2t)
