Test prop Tom Robertson has joined the Western Force after his departure from the NSW Waratahs.
After making his Super Rugby debut in 2016, Robertson has amassed 62 appearances for the Waratahs.
The 26-year-old also made his international debut in 2016, with the versatile prop now having 24 Wallabies caps to his name.
Currently undertaking a medical degree at Sydney University, Robertson said it was a tough call to leave the club where he had played his whole Super Rugby career.
“Being a part of this club has been one of my proudest achievements and it was a difficult decision to leave,” Robertson said.
“I’ve loved being a Waratah, playing alongside some amazing players and learning from some of the best rugby minds in the country.
“The club has supported my growth as a player on the field, while allowing me to pursue my education off it, something I’ll always be grateful for.”
MitchO
Guest
I think Angus Wagner is worth keeping on the books. If he can't get a run then he should got to the UK or France and work on his game. He's only 22ish so could do what Cameron Orr tried to do and play a bit overseas and come back a better player.
In brief
Guest
Bellamy moans a lot and had worse manners then Checks - you can keep the dolt.
JSJ
Roar Rookie
Or Aussies that would have gone overseas, if the Force option was not there.
Kick n Clap
Guest
I would rather have Yvonne Sampson than Tim. At least she talented and going somewhere ? Seriously though is one truely outstanding “Footy coach “in Australia and that is Craig Bellamy. His reputation speaks for itself!! Facts don’t lie??
Marlin
Roar Rookie
Think Dean Lukin - not great for getting around the park, though
jameswm
Roar Guru
Jez knows more than me about scrummaging so I'll take what you 2 say then.
jameswm
Roar Guru
You can only be so fit carrying that much body fat.
jeznez
Roar Guru
:laughing: I've noticed that about every single Brumbies player in 8 out our last 9 meetings!
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Douglas would be my choice ..... have you noticed that when he starts for the Brums against the Tahs that the Tahs lose?
MitchO
Guest
I'd heard it was 80 / 20 but don't know the scientific figure. I need him fitter I don't care how fat he is. But if he loses the fat he'll get faster that's for sure.
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
Yeah that's the last I read about it in the SMH: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/hunt-future-under-a-cloud-as-nsw-sign-kyle-godwin-20200709-p55anh.html
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
Hope some of those are "Aussies abroad"
jeznez
Roar Guru
Agree. Same thing against the Lions in 2019. He’s a significantly better LH scrummager than Johnson-Holmes. I’m hoping Bell will be superior to both of them but it’s just that – hope. I used to be a big knocker of his scrummaging but he became by far the Tah’s best LH scrummaging option over the last year or so.
JSJ
Roar Rookie
"More player announcements can be expected in the coming weeks." at the end of the Robertson press release from the Force.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Nope. All you have to look at is the game last year where TR was coming back from injury and HJH was starting LH against the Reds. HJH was getting bullied by Tupou and was subbed. TR came on and immediately put a stop to it. That isn't the only example either. TR is a significantly better LH and performed at least good as HJH at the TH side also. TR is one of the few LH's that TT struggles to get on top of due to his height.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I think I read that he’d signed some kind of preliminary/intention to sign agreement. Actual contract pending NSWRU giving the Tahs a budget. So while I think the intention is there I don’t believe they’ve actually signed anything yet. Godwin making the PONI might make him more expensive, Moeroa, Walton and Hunt’s performances might mean they look to develop the two younger guys with support from Karmichael. Just speculating, not sure what Penney and Rapp are thinking
jameswm
Roar Guru
No way. HJH is a stronger scrummager - shunted to the TH side and making a good fist of it. He'd be better than Tom at LH as well, as he is at TH. Bell will be a better scrummager too within 12 months, on the LH side.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Ah ok - I thought it was official.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Keep hearing that rumour James but haven't heard anything official. Wondering if the above isn't suggesting that Kyle is staying put.
jeznez
Roar Guru
He's big enough but he's an edge attacker and not a hard grafting middle of the field type. If they were prepared to play someone that size then they should have fought tooth and nail to keep Tafa and not let him head off to NEC.