Injury concern for Brumbies Blake Schoupp after scrum comes down awkwardly on top of him
Fortunately, the prop was back on his feet but it's likely he'll miss several weeks with that shoulder problem.
One of Australia’s brightest prop prospects will be available for Wallabies selection through until the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, with Scott Sio extending his stay with the Brumbies for a further three years.
The 24-year-old was a crucial cog in the Wallabies’ 2015 World Cup campaign, having made both his Super Rugby and Test debut in 2012.
As such, if he were to sign with an overseas club when his contract expires at the end of 2019, Sio would probably still be eligible for Wallabies selection. As Australia’s best loosehead prop, he will likely have played the required 60 Tests (he has 16 to date) and seven years of Super Rugby to continue to be selected.
“There’s no doubt that Scott is one of the best young props in the game right now,” said Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham.
“He proved at the recent World Cup, and over his first 50 games with the Brumbies that he is a world-class player who we wanted to keep for the future.
“He’s only 24, so he has a lot of rugby in front of him, and we are very happy that he is staying with the Brumbies for the next three years.”
Sio said: “I couldn’t be happier to be staying with the Brumbies. Since I first moved here from Sydney, I’ve always felt like the culture and the playing group was something special.
“Our front row is incredibly competitive and supportive and we pride ourselves on our performance as a group every week.”
Earlier this week, the Brumbies announced they had also re-signed Allan Alaalatoa – Sio’s fellow prop and childhood friend – for a further three years.
“Knowing that Allan and I be working together trying to improve each other’s game until the end of 2019 is fantastic, I look forward to what the future holds,” Sio said.
“Scott was very clear that his intention is to play a key role with both the Brumbies and Wallabies over the next few years,” said Brumbies CEO Michael Jones.
“The ARU has been very helpful throughout our negotiations with Scott and understand how valuable he is for both the Wallabies and Brumbies.
“At just 24, he has a huge future in the game and I think Brumbies fans will be very pleased that he has chosen to stay with the club.
“Along with Allan Alaalatoa and a number of young props in our program, we have one of the most formidable front rows in Super Rugby and one that hopefully helps us to bring home the title.”
Sio will make his 2016 Super Rugby debut for the Brumbies tomorrow night against the Waratahs.