May the Force be with you, Adam Clarke

[Darren]

From discarded Stag to Super 14 prospect in a matter of a week – it's an unlikely story.

For Adam Clarke, however, it's reality.

The young halfback was thrown a rugby lifeline last week and he now finds himself in the running to play for Australian team Western Force during next year's Super 14.

After being released from his contract with Rugby Southland Clarke took it on himself to hunt out other rugby opportunities.

Thanks to a bit of good fortune and a willingness to push his own profile, Clarke is approaching this biggest challenge of his short career after 15 games for Southland.

Clarke sent his rugby CV to the Cottesloe club in Perth where it was seen by a club member, who luckily enough for Clarke, was also part of the Western Force Rugby Academy.

His CV was then forwarded to Force head coach John Mitchell and last week the former All Black coach called Clarke about the possibility of a Super 14 contract.

"I thought it was a joke. He asked me when I could get over there and I said maybe at the end of the month and he said `what about next week?'." Clarke has an Australian grandfather, which meant Force was able to sign the Southlander under Australian rugby regulations because he qualifies as an Australian.

While Rugby Southland opted to release Clarke from his Stags contract this year it was Southland co-coach Simon Culhane who ultimately cemented his call-up to the Force.

"When Nibs (Culhane) told me I was going to be released he said to me that I could put him down as a referee and I said to him I'd hold him to that, and I did," Clarke said.

"Mitchell got hold of Nibs and he put in a few good words for me and it went from there." Mitchell could not be reached for comment yesterday, but Clarke will fly out to Perth on Tuesday where he has been told he would go straight into training with the Force preparing for next year's Super 14.

The Perth-based franchise also has Australian halfback Matt Henjack on its playing roster.

All going to plan, after the Super 14 Clarke will lineup for the Perth Spirit in the Australian provincial competition.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southlandtimes/4275896a6568.html

[shasta]

That article and the photo were in the Southland Times the same day his signing was announced. I wonder how you get your hands on a Force beanie in such quick time around Invercargill??

[travelling_gerry]

That article and the photo were in the Southland Times the same day his signing was announced. I wonder how you get your hands on a Force beanie in such quick time around Invercargill??

and fleecy top...

[Thequeerone]

Won't be needing a fleecy top or a beanie for quite some time to come

[zimeric]

hehe too true! might be a bit of a culture shock having to deal with the heat thats for sure.

[jargan83]

saw him on the channel 10 news last night, he was talking about how he thought he was pretty fit but still he was adapting to training in the heat of Perth in summer etc

[The InnFORCEr]

I know there is a Western Force tie in the Paroah Pub just south of Greymouth on the north west coast of the South Island, in fact it has the most impressive collection of rugby ties I have ever seen around the walls and ceilings!

[Seldom]

I know there is a Western Force tie in the Paroah Pub just south of Greymouth on the north west coast of the South Island, in fact it has the most impressive collection of rugby ties I have ever seen around the walls and ceilings!

HMMMMM......... might have to send an upto date tie!!!!

[RuckNMaul]

paroha, as in lemon and paroha?
im off to the south island next month if you want to save on postage

[shasta]

paroha, as in lemon and paroha?
im off to the south island next month if you want to save on postage

That's probably Paeroa in the N.Island, Krusher.

The Shastas drove up the Westcoast in January. If you're driving, the trip down the Haast Pass from Lake Wanaka is a "must do." Beware the single lane bridges. Especially the ones that have a railway line down the middle.

[James]

If you're driving, the trip down the Haast Pass from Lake Wanaka is a "must do."

Agreed. You'll want a reliable car though its a fair bit isolated and I remember having trouble with the windiness and hilliness.

[motlox]

Adams a great player!!! good on him for coming to perth. Mitchell has really got a good player on his hands. i reckon the only reason Sthlnd let him off is cos they have too many political issues to deal with!!!! their loss is our gain.

[jargan83]

political issues???

[motlox]

they have too many issues to deal with within their union. i say they are just a bunch of old guys who need to open their eyes and see the talent southland has to offer. the guy chosen as # 2 half back was only chosen cos he is able to play other positions eg 1st and 2nd 5. dont get me wrong Dawson is a good player but Clarke is the better half back by far!!!!!

[Darren]

Anyone know how Clarke injured his neck, and what the extent of the injury is?