Alcock swaps Force for Brumbies

Editor

The Brumbies are continuing to build the side’s 2017 playing roster with flanker Chris Alcock signing a one-year deal with the club.

The 28-year-old made his Super Rugby debut in 2010 for the Waratahs in Sydney before going on to play 25 matches with the Sydneysiders between 2010 and 2012. He scored his maiden Super Rugby try in the Waratahs’ 41-7 win over the Brumbies in 2011.

Alcock moved to the Western Force in 2013 and played 31 matches for the Perth-based franchise, his final match being against the Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Perth, in the final round of the 2016 Super Rugby regular season.

The South African-born flanker says he’s very happy to be linking with the Brumbies for 2017 after four seasons in the west.

“I think it’s going to be a good change, I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” Alcock told the Brumbies’ official website.

“The Brumbies forward pack is really physical and go about their business really well, so I just want to come in and join in as best I can.

“The goal is to become part of the squad and get myself some game time.

“I had some great opportunities at the Force and got game time every year that I was there, but I’m looking forward to the opportunities I now have here at the Brumbies in 2017.”

Alcock moved from Durban to Sydney with his family at the age of 10. He attended Barker College until 2006. In 2007 he played seven matches for English club, Oxford Harlequins, scoring five tries.

After returning to Australia, Alcock linked with Gordon, in Sydney’s club rugby competition and was recognised as the club’s best and fairest Colts player in 2008.

Brumbies hHead coach Stephen Larkham said Alcock will be a great addition to next year’s squad.

“He has established himself as a hard-nosed flanker whose aggression makes him a dangerous player in both attack and defence for opposition teams,” explained Larkham.

“Chris is strong on the ball at the breakdown and one of his major strengths is forcing penalties and gaining turnovers.

“This year he was also one of Super Rugby’s top ten tacklers, so we are really looking forward to seeing that form continue in 2017 with the Brumbies.”

Alcock, who has represented the Greater Sydney Rams and Perth Spirit in the National Rugby Championship (NRC), will link with the Brumbies for Super Rugby pre-season training which will begin following the 2016 NRC.