Lachlan MacKay moving to France

[lara93]

Nick Taylor

May 31, 2008 06:00pm

FRUSTRATED Western Force back Lachlan MacKay has joined French first-division club Brive on a two-year contract.
The forgotten Wallaby has been hit by a terrible run of injuries since joining the Force as a foundation player.

Several clubs in the UK and France have shown interest in MacKay, 25, who leaves in July with an early release from his Force contract.

``It's a sad time and my preference would have been to stay here, but it's not to be,'' MacKay said.

``I've had a great time, it's a great club, there are some great people and great fans.

``That makes it tough to walk away.

``I was excited about coming over here but I feel I've let a lot of people down because of the injuries.

``I've not been able to pay anything back on the field.

``It eats away at you but I'm moving forward now and looking forward to a new start.''

His bad luck started after just 38 minutes of the Force debut Super 14 game against the Brumbies when he limped off with damaged knee ligaments, an injury that kept him out for most of the season.

A pre-season groin injury, surgery and hamstring problems then kept him sidelined for the 2007 season.

The big, rangy utility finally made it back into the starting line-up this year, capping his return against the Crusaders at Subiaco Oval with a try in the 29-24 loss.

The former Waratah captained the Australian U21's and made his Wallabies debut in 2005 against the All Blacks in Auckland.

[jono]

all the best champ!
hope your injury problems are over now and you can play your heart out wherever you end up.
you will be an invalubable asset to whatever team you decide to play for.
good luck!

[lara93]

hope all goes well in your new club!
good luck!

[tragic]

Here's to a bright and injury-free future in France!

[Jehna]

I wish he didn't feel like he'd let people down. How can he think that way? It's not his fault he got injured!

All the best Lachie. You will be missed regardless of your feelings on the matter.

[Thequeerone]

2 years - if he develops - injury free - he'ill be a catch for some Aussie Franchise - just in time for RWC2011 - cheers Lachky hope the French are as kind to you as you have been to us - have fun

[Burgs]

Onward and upward mate, all the best.
Make sure you renew your MBF cover before you go...

[force addict]

Lachy you did not let anyone down. you were one of my favourites and i wish you all the best in France!

[BLR]

Hopefully he fits in as well as Brock James did into the French competition...

[benny]

good luck lachlan, wreched injuries sometimes cannot be helped,

Hope you enjoy the frogs legs and give Cordingley a wipping when you play him (remember to whisper to him.. hows your new CAR !!)

But another talent lost to the northern hempishere..

[jargan83]

Good Luck Lauchie

i am one who will sad to see you go, injuries cannot be helped

Best of luck and thanks for the memories

[Burgs]

In related news, the Emirates Western Force are advertising for a new Water Boy.

sorry...

[TOCC]

lol

[no.8]

au revoir mon Ami...stay injury free!

[PerthGirl]

Very sad to see him go, dissapointing that the injuries meant we didn't see the best of him but good luck to him in France. Who will be cover for Gits now that Jimmy and Lachy are gone? Will Daruda step up?