ACT Brumbies back Robbie Coleman has ended his time at the club, heading west to join the Western Force.
Coleman was offered an immediate release by the ACT club to take up a two-year contract with the Force as the Perth club continues to build for the 2017 season.
The signing is the second positive bit of news for the Force in as many days, with the capture of Coleman following hot on the heels of the news that former club skipper Matt Hodgson has re-signed with the Perth-based franchise for another season.
While it’s a big coup for the Force, it’s potentially an even more significant loss for the Brumbies heading into the 2017 Super Rugby season.
Fly-half Matt Toomua has already left the club, taking up a three-year deal with the Leicester Tigers to play in England, while fellow playmaker Christian Lealiifano’s future is also in doubt with the Brumbies star having been diagnosed with leukaemia in August.
Coleman was viewed as the logical replacement at fly-half, having played the position in a number of junior squads, including the Australian schoolboy’s side, but his departure will force a re-think.
However, while the Brumbies have suffered a setback to their squad’s depth, coach Stephan Larkham had few qualms with Coleman’s decision to leave the club.
“While we are disappointed that Robbie has decided to leave, we understand that the opportunity he’s been presented is a great one for him,” Larkham said.
“Robbie has been a part of the Brumbies development program since a young age, and we are all very proud of what he has been able to achieve.
“We wish Robbie all the best on this next chapter in his career.”
The 26-year-old has been based around the nation’s capital for the entirety of his career so far. A Queanbeyan junior, Coleman’s entire 80-game Super Rugby career has been played with the Brumbies, and he was recently named vice-captain of the University of Canberra Vikings squad in the National Rugby Championship.
“This is definitely the hardest decision I’ve had to make in my career,” Coleman said.
“Being a Queanbeyan junior, it was always my dream to play for the Brumbies, and I’m very thankful that I’ve been able to run out and represent the side 80 times.
“I’ll miss Canberra and the Brumbies fans and thank them for all of their support over my years with the club.”
Coleman made his debut with the Brumbies in 2010 against the Reds and had gone on to score 17 tries in his six seasons with the club.
ScottD
Guest
I was under the impression that the Brumbies would have liked him to stsy Andy
AndyS
Guest
TBH, it feels to me like the Daley decision...I think the ARU is simply using the Force to keep players around when no-one else is interested.
Gavin Barker
Roar Pro
Seems a strange move considering at the Force he'll have Lance ahead of him at 10, Tapuai and Meakes ahead of him in the centres, and DHP locked in at 15. Has Luke Burton moved on from the Force for next year? Maybe Coleman will come in as that utility back on the bench.
Jamie Hevia
Roar Rookie
Big call from Coleman. Will he get a start at the Forve though?
Simon
Roar Pro
Looks like either Jordan Jackson-Hope or Nic Jooste will be thrown into the cauldron at 10, now. Unless the Brumbies can sign another fly half, which seems highly unlikely given: a. there a no experienced 10s on the market at the moment to my knowledge b. they're unlikely to sign a young talent or an NRC player - they already have Jooste and JJH, the former of which is one of 6 players to ever be offered a SR contract whilst in high school. c. they already have their marquee player in Cubelli for another year. Godwin will have to really step up, assuming he's at 12. A baptism by fire for whoever pulls on the 10 jersey most likely.
ScottD
Guest
Yes I reckon 10/12 as they are a bit light inside having lost Godwin I think the Force have come out the better on that swap as Godwin is comparatively limited in ability to play fly half. Th Force have finally got some depth n their back line. Plus they have some good strong straight runners in at 12/13 that can get over the gain line and more importantly who will look for contact and take out defenders in the process
TommoH
Guest
I hope Jooste does get his chance, was a great talent over here in the west and was gutted to see him leave, but hopefully he's learning a lot under Larkham... As for Coleman, I suspect he's going to be played at 12 as a second playmaker, either that or as injury cover when the inevitable "curse of the 10" strikes the force again haha
Paul
Guest
Wow, what a time to depart! I guess Jooste is going to sink or swim now. Where does Coleman fit into the Force? Wouldn't expect him to go from Brumbies now to sit on the Force bench? 10. Lance 11. Rona 12. Taps? 13. Meakes? 14. Morahan 15. DHP