Wallabies lock in ‘prime of career’ agrees cross-Super Rugby Pacific switch
Canberra, Australia. 09th Mar, 2024. Darcy Swain of the Brumbies offloads during the Super Rugby Pacific Round 3 match between the ACT Brumbies and the Western Force at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Saturday, March 9, 2024. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING,
Wallabies second-row Darcy Swain will make the move from the Brumbies to Western Force ahead of next Super Rugby Pacific season, it was confirmed on Sunday.
The Force will be getting a 17-cap international and announced the deal alongside Rugby Australia, with the contract tying the lock to both parties until 2026.
Swain, a towering forward, is set to add quality and leadership plus reinforce depth to the Force‘s lock stocks, with the 26-year-old in the peak of his career.
Test debut in 2021
He made his Test bow in 2021 against France, playing in every match during the victorious three-Test series over Les Bleus, and joined the Brumbies in 2016.
Swain has since gone on to play 70 games over six seasons and led the Brumbies this year. He was also part of the squad that won the 2020 Super Rugby AU title.
“We are thrilled to have secured the signature of Darcy who is another quality addition to our squad for the next two seasons,” said Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman.
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“Darcy is in the prime of his career at 26-years-old and brings vast Super Rugby experience plus good exposure at international level with the Wallabies which will be invaluable for our squad.
“He is hungry to take the next step in his career, so we look forward to Darcy linking up with our squad later in the year.”
Swain revealed he was excited about the opportunity to join the Force, pointing out head coach Simon Cron’s influence.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank the Brumbies for giving me my first opportunity to be a fulfill my dream to become a professional rugby player and for their support since arriving in Canberra in 2016,” Swain said.
Perfect environment
“The opportunity to go to the Western Force from next year is something I’m really looking forward to and from early discussions with Simon will be a perfect environment to continue to grow as a player on the field and as a person off the field.
“There’s some really special events coming up in Australian Rugby and I’ll be doing everything I can to be part of them.”
Rugby Australia director of high-performance Peter Horne added: “It’s pleasing to be able to re-sign Darcy for two more years.
“He’s a player who is driven to improve and continue to contribute to Australian Rugby and has also shown his leadership qualities in recent times with the Brumbies.”