The Brumbies have signed Waratahs flanker Will Miller to replace David Pocock, who is retiring from Australian rugby.
The Brumbies have signed NSW Waratahs flanker Will Miller on a two-year deal as they prepare for Super Rugby life without David Pocock.
Miller is a highly regarded backrower but has been stuck behind Wallabies and Waratahs skipper Michael Hooper for the past two years.
The 26-year-old made his Super Rugby debut for the Melbourne Rebels in 2017 before moving to Sydney and heads to Canberra with Pocock retiring from Australian rugby.
“I’m really excited to get down to Canberra and rip in,” Miller said.
“The Brumbies have had a spectacular year in 2019 and I look forward to helping build on that moving forward.”
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said he was keen to sign a pilferer to try and replace Pocock’s immense presence at the breakdown.
“With the departure of David Pocock, we wanted to bring in a backrower who has an on-ball presence and Will certainly will bring that,” McKellar said.
“He is a very skilful player and a good link between the backs and forwards. He has the ability to play on an edge and he can be very creative in attack.”
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Agree Fionn. Brown would have been my choice. I reckon the Brumbies need a largish 6 or 8 to compliment McCaffrey and Valentini.
MitchO
Guest
I like Miller. Plenty of zip. Other options at 7 are Pete Samu and Lachie McCaffery just for some different and bigger.
Dahl
Roar Rookie
Good news for the brums. And hopefully for Miller too. If the lock signings are as promising as is being made out, and the back row stocks continue to flourish, the brums should have the right platform for the young inside backs to come along under. I was worried about the culture a couple of years ago. But McKellar really seems to be making sound judgements with a view to both the immediate and long term.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Think it’s a great move for Miller. Wish him luck down the Hume.
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
This comment is completely irrelevant and pointless
TRhing-me
Roar Rookie
"It's time," said the rugby paying public to the ARU that the Brumbies re-emerge into NSW and, pause, deservedly so, reinstate Western Australia as a Super Team for the competition. Look at how many spectators turned up to the other side of the Back of Beyond. To not include Twiggy Forest as a supporter of rugby is tantamount to shooting yourself in the metaphysicals. Amalgamate the Brumbies and NSW becomes a power-house once again. And just to be fair offer Canberra on alternate nights with Sydney. Any MP with the full quid, a bit of interest and clout in Canberra will then continue to be a supporter of the game. Keep Victoria. Just make sure the game grows in Australia nation-wide. Besides what professional rugby union player can afford to live in Sydney anymore? Their wages are being eaten up by the rent! Now is John Miller still going strong after all these years?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
It sure is Richie. Cheika probably won’t be coach in a few weeks.
Richie
Roar Rookie
The thing with the Brumbies is they’re investing heavily in youth and there’s plenty of it. As for damaging ball runner.... Valentini. And I reckon the young fella Frost could be a great lock. Mind you this could all turn to crap if Cheika stays on with his old brigade... but that’s off topic.
Markus
Roar Rookie
I assume this is the same lad? https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/callum-macdonald-is-the-204cm-120kg-giant-set-to-take-australian-rugby-by-storm/news-story/7caf485d32f4ccb83f08bfcdc8732a6c Looks promising, sounds like he really wants to get stuck in too. Fisher would be the perfect guy to develop his set piece and breakdown game.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Cheers Brett, that's true having a real ruck monkey in the three brings a point of difference and some options for game day.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I wouldn’t have him over Brown from what I’ve seen. But I think that he may force his way ahead of Cusack.
Chris
Guest
Markus you will be happy as i have just been informed that Dan McKellar rang Souths Magpies and has offered a contract to young gun 19 year old 204cm,120kg giant Callum McDonald. Will be a superstar imo.
Brett McKay
Expert
I reckon the Tahs will miss him Markus, put it that way. Proper on-ball openside flanker, a real Colby Fainga'a type of underrated player. But Miller said himself a month ago, if he wants to be a starting player, that's not going to happen at the Waratahs with Hooper there for the next four or so years...
Brett McKay
Expert
Gav, the journo is Canberra-based...
Gav
Guest
I love how the Tah journos say " poach " You reckon he will get much game time behind the multimillionaire.Good luck to him at the Brumbies.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Miller is on the small side, but is definitely an on-ball threat. Good luck to him. Going somewhere where he hopes he will start regularly, can't blame him for that.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Not bad Miller has been the Tut Tahs best 7.
Markus
Roar Rookie
I haven't seen much of him, any Waratahs fans able to comment on the purchase? Thought the Brumbies were covered at openside with Cusack who is solid and Jahrome Brown who really took his chances this year, enough to focus on the next upcoming star. Stealing Fraser McReight from the Reds would have been nice. Brumbies backrow stocks need a Fardy/Jones type lock-flanker or a Timu/Naisarani type damaging ball runner more than anything.