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Another young player extending his stay at the Reds
Australian Rugby Union today announced Qantas Wallabies and Queensland Reds lock, Rob Simmons, will remain in Australia until the end of 2013 after re-signing for a further 2 years.
The 22-year old is the first player to re-sign with Australian Rugby Union in 2012 and follows 22 of his team mates who re-committed 2011.
A product of Theodore in country Queensland, Simmons first appeared for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby during the 2009 season, before making his maiden start in that competition the following year.
2010 also saw the second row forward step into the international arena, firstly for the Australian Barbarians during the two-match midweek series against the Touring England, and then for the Qantas Wallabies in that year’s Tri Nations series.
Simmons made his Test debut on his home ground, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, during Australia’s 30-13 win over against South Africa.
He has subsequently cemented his place as a regular member of the Qantas Wallabies squad securing 16 Test caps as well as a run on appearance against the Barbarians during Australia’s recent spring tour of Europe.
Simmons played in 10 of the Qantas Wallabies 13 Tests last year and was part of the 22-man squad that defeated the All Blacks in Brisbane to claim Australia’s first Castrol Edge Tri Nations title in 10-years.
Qantas Wallabies coach, Robbie Deans, said he was pleased Simmons had decided to recommit to Australian Rugby for another 2 years.
“It is encouraging to have a guy like Rob recommit to Queensland and Australian Rugby for another two years,” Deans said.
“Players always have choice. Rob is a player who has a big future and is working hard towards that so it’s pleasing he sees his future playing in Australia taking the game here forward.
“The fact that we have been able to keep our core group of Wallabies together is a positive sign for the direction the team is headed in, and the players’ commitment to that.”
Simmons, who featured in 6 of the Qantas Wallabies’ 7 Rugby World Cup games last year, said he was excited at what the future held for him in Australia.
“The last two years have been great, being a part of the Qantas Wallabies, and I am really looking forward to the challenges of the next two years,” Simmons said.
“My focus is currently on the Reds and starting the FxPro Super Rugby season off on the right foot, but I am also very keen to get back in the Gold jersey and represent my country again.
“When I look at the other players that have re-signed in the last 12-months and what we achieved last year I think there is opportunity for us to enjoy some more success in the coming years and I am very keen to be a part of and contribute to that success.
Position:Lock
Height:200cm
Weight:115kg
Date Of Birth:19/04/1989
Super Rugby Caps:31
Super Rugby Debut:Feb 2009 v Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Test Rugby Caps:16 (Wallabies Cap # 844)
Test Rugby Debut: 2010 v South Africa, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/Ne...4/Default.aspx
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Originally Posted by GIGS20
