‘Strong impression’: Key Wallaby re-signs
GIANT lock Darcy Swain looms as a key part of Wallabies coach Dave Rennie’s World Cup plans after re-signing with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies until the end of 2024.
Far North Queensland product Swain debuted for the Wallabies last year and played in 10 of Australia’s 14 matches in 2021, with Rennie saying the 200cm forward had made a “strong impression”.
“His work ethic and diligence are a point of difference,
highlighted by his desire to develop his game on both sides of the ball,” Rennie said of the 24-year-old Swain.
“For a Test newcomer, his willingness to take on lineout responsibility saw him quickly become an important member of the mob.”
Swain said he was “grateful” to sign a two-year contract extension.
“Getting the opportunity to wear the Wallabies jersey was a huge testimony to the program at the Brumbies and, after getting that taste last year, I’m extremely motivated to keep growing as a player and earning more opportunities to represent my country,” Swain said.
He was also enthusiastic about his future with the Brumbies, who have won their first four games of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
“I’ve loved Canberra since moving down with (NRC club) Vikings at the end of 2015. It’s where I call home now and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he said.
“I’m excited about what we can do this year and what we’re building at the Brumbies on and off the field with a great mix of blokes who I genuinely love being around.”
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: “It’s fantastic for the Brumbies to have Darcy locked in.
“We’ve watched him grow since he joined our academy out of school, and from early on it was clear that if he worked hard and was allowed time to develop that he had the potential to be a very good Super Rugby player and he’s certainly earned his spot in our environment and now at the Wallabies level.
“He’s still got plenty of room to get better as a player and as a leader and he’ll continue to be an important player for the Brumbies.”