New Faces for the Reds

[Burgs]

Here are the new signings for the Reds that we may see this year:
Profiles from www.redsrugby.com.au

Geoff Abram

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/reds/red.../section/40810

Geoff was a member of the Australian team that reached the final of the 2005 U21 World Cup. He also played for Australia in both the 2004 and 2005 U-19 World Cups in South Africa, as well as at schoolboy level and has represented Queensland Schools and the QAS.

His twin sister Felicity has competed for Australia as a tri-athlete, while his father Bill was part of the Wallabies squad in the early 80's.


Quade Cooper

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/reds/red.../section/40810

Quade recently became one of three young players to break the record for most Australian schoolboy caps.

For the past two years he has been in the high performance program working with the ARU-funded National Talent Squad, and representing Queensland and Australian Schoolboys.

Quade, who grew up in Waikato, New Zealand, is a versatile back but predominantly plays flyhalf.

Ben Coutts

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/reds/red.../section/40810

Ben was identified as a youngster in Canberra by Eddie Jones when he was coaching the Brumbies.

He spent two years in the UK playing for the Sale Sharks in the European competition.

After being closely monitored by Jones, and Australian Assistant coach Mike Foley, Ben was offered a two year contract to return to Australia and play Super 14 rugby.

Charlie Fetoai

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/reds/red.../section/40810

Formerly contracted to the Brisbane Broncos, Charlie has represented his state in both league and union at U19 level, and has also played for the Australian union Schoolboys in 2005.

Charlie won a gold medal as a member of the Australian Sevens team at the 2005 Junior Commonwealth Games.

AJ Gilbert

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/reds/red.../section/40810

AJ has taken the fast track to professional rugby.

Identified as a talented hard-running backrower through NSW and Australian Schoolboys, AJ was part of the Australian U19s World Championship winning team in 2006 and also played for Australia in the Sevens.

Hailing from Dorrigo in Northern NSW, AJ's boyhood hero was Brumbies forward George Smith.

Ben Mowen

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/reds/red.../section/40810

Ben made his Reds debut in 2006 getting a surprise call-up to the bench against the Sharks in Durban but it could have been earlier had he not suffered a broken jaw in pre-season training.

Ben captained the Australian side that finished runners-up in the 2005 U-21 World Cup, and has also represented his country at Sevens as well as at Schoolboy level.

A former captain of the Queensland Academy of Sport U-19 side, Ben can play at number eight or blindside flanker.

Ryan Nicholas

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/reds/red.../section/40810

A talented utility back, Ryan played 31 Super Rugby games for The Highlanders between 2002 and 2004 and was their leading try-scorer in 2002.

He was a member of the New Zealand national Sevens training squad and also played in the New Zealand junior volleyball team.

In 2006 he played for Japanese club Suntory. Ryan is a strong runner who gets through tackles, is solid in defence and is a 75 per cent-plus goal kicker who came under closer scrutiny while Eddie Jones was working as Suntory's technical advisor.

Ed O'Donoghue

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/reds/red.../section/40810

Ed was a member of the 2001 Queensland Under-19s Trans-Tasman champion team, alongside current Reds Peter Hynes, Stephen Moore and Greg Holmes.

His decision to develop his skills over three seasons in the UK allowed him to fulfil his dream of playing for the Reds when Eddie Jones offered him a contract.

Ed was born in London to an Irish father and Australian mother.

Clinton Schifcofske

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/reds/red.../section/40810

After 10 years in Rugby League, Clinton has crossed codes on a two-year deal with the Reds.

A gifted athlete, Clinton played soccer until he was 16 before taking up league.

His speed off the mark and accurate goal kicking are sure to be an asset to the team. Clinton is a qualified diesel mechanic.

[Sagerian]

Clinton is a qualified diesel mechanic.

Pity they need someone more specialised in fixing train wrecks.

[O'Regan]

I think some of those players are exceptional, I saw a couple play at School boys and I was impressed with them. I do wander how they will go at Province level.

[Burgs]

Certainly been hearing a few whispers about Quade Cooper around the traps O'Regan, have you seen him play much/at all?

[GIGS20]

That's a healthy looking list of potential signings for the Force! Can't wait to see QRU put the resources in, train 'em up, blood them at Provincial level and then lose them to us muahaha

[Burgs]

"New Zealand-born 126kg prop Herman Hunt, who impressed with Queensland's Australian Provincial Championship side last year, has been upgraded to a full Super 14 contract."

I'll update the first post when I track down more details.