The Western Force have signed Queensland Reds prop Ben Daley for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
Daley will join the Force after 79 games across nine seasons for the Reds, including starting at loosehead prop in their championship-winning side in 2011.
The Sydney-born prop, who previously represented the Australian U19s side at the world championships, has played three Tests for the Wallabies, starting in all three of the matches during the 2010 June Test window.
“I’m hoping the transition will be nice and smooth,” Daley said.
“I’ve met and played with so many of the guys over there, even in Wallaby camp with the likes of Matt Hodgson and Ben McCalman who are great guys.
“So, I’m hoping they’ll welcome me over without too much ribbing. I’m just really looking forward to getting on deck and getting started.”
Interim coach Dave Wessels said Daley will bring a huge amount of experience to the Western Force forward pack.
“Everybody that we spoke to about Ben has said that he’s a fantastic character and he adds a lot to the team environment,” he said.
“Certainly he’s experienced and he’s been around professional rugby a long time, so someone like that in our environment is going to be very valuable for us.”
The Sheriff
Guest
Can he overcome the injury problem? Hope so......
AndyS
Guest
Just tends to confirm my suspicion that the Force will be the ARU'S rehabilitation and quarantine team... Guess we'll see after a few more signings.
Comrade Bear
Roar Rookie
Shame. All the best Ben.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Your take is a little outdated James. Ben was a decent scrummager around 09-10 when he made his Wallaby debut. The Reds had a decent set piece at the time. Around 2011-12 the focus on the set piece diminished, and coincidentally so did his scrummaging form. He was very strong around the ground though. This year as part of a very strong Reds scrum he's again been a strong scrummager earlier in the year before injury. He's currently better than Sef Faagase, but I'd say Sef comes a lot cheaper. Sad to see him go but I can understand his move.
Don
Roar Rookie
Ben's a terrific fella and a solid player. Good addition to the Force. You're right James. The Reds have some really good LH props in Slipper, F'agaase and Pettowa Paraka (can play both sides) as well as a really good U20 in Richie Asiata. Starting tight head next year will be a fight between Thor and Sam Talakai.
jameswm
Roar Guru
My take on Daley is he's a good footballer but a so so scrummager. Is Pek Cowan still there? Are they to be the two looseheads? Pretty deccent pair. The Reds have Slipper and another in front of Daley I think - Fa'agaase perhaps?
Browny
Roar Rookie
Nice to read about someone heading West instead of leaving too.
Brisbane Bouys
Guest
Good luck Ben ou seem like a really good bloke and have had a couple of aweful injury riddled seasons. Hopefully your luck will change.