Former Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles left that team with a bitter taste in his mouth. Now he’s enjoying the sweet taste of success with the NSW Waratahs.
Cut by the Brumbies after being dogged by a long-term achilles injury, he will line up against his old team in a Super Rugby semi-final in Sydney on Saturday.
Hoiles spent five years with the Canberra-based team after starting his Super Rugby career with NSW.
He made the most of his 16 Test appearances while at the Brumbies and rose to the captaincy.
While he enjoyed his first couple of years in the national capital, things soured for Hoiles with the achilles injury and a lack of success for the Brumbies and a number of coaching changes.
“The years of being a captain were a challenge,” Hoiles said on Thursday.
“There was obviously the issues with the coaches at the time and a lot was made of that.
“I left with a bitter taste in my mouth. It didn’t end how I wanted it to.
“The decision for them to get rid of me was justified, though.
“I wasn’t able to play for another two years, post that, so I was never disappointed at the decision to leave.
“In hindsight, the injury was just a tough one to get over.
“One of the main reasons why I wanted to keep playing was that I didn’t want to have my footy career finish how it finished down there – sitting on the sidelines, watching the team struggling and coaches moving on, and getting sacked.
“I wanted to finish with some positive memories and, since coming up here, I’ve had the time of my life.”
Given a chance by Waratahs coach Michael Cheika at the start of the year, Hoiles worked his way into the squad and was used off the bench for most of the season.
A recent injury to captain and fellow back-rower Dave Dennis opened the way for a starting spot.
The 32-year-old forward looks set to stay with the Waratahs next year.
“It looks like I will be. Nothing’s finalised yet, so we’ll get these next couple of games hopefully out of the way,” Hoiles said.
“I still feel like I’ve got a couple of years to go. The skinny old legs have a little bit left.”
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
To be fair I thought Dave Dennis was playing some of his best footy up until he was injured. Have to agree though about Hoilsey. He comes across as a hard worker & smart. Also highly likable and a good bloke. Thanks to him losing Dave didn't hurt as much. ;) Hats off again to Cheiks. :)
Nigel Imrie
Guest
Have to agree with that analysis as well, was never a big Dennis fan and his elevation to the Wallabies really surprised me, reminded me of a guy who played for Manly in the eighties who got into the Wallabies, Calcraft I think his name was,he was a backrower too, that surprised me, Alan Jones was coach then, but having said that good luck to both those gentlemen. However the Tahs lineout has suffered without Dennis to lead it. Hoyles is an under rated player and am happy to see him flourishing, he is critical to their Super Rugby aspirations with a ton of experience both at Test and Super rugby, they should retain him, great role model and warrior for those players coming into the folde.
PeterK
Roar Guru
agree
Peter Hughes
Roar Rookie
Well imo the Cheika made a great decision in keeping faith in Hoiles. I would have had him in the run on side from a few games into the season & dropped D Dennis to the bench. And now he's got his chance he's shown Tahs are a better team with him playing