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Emirates Western Force coach Richard Graham has brought Australian Sevens representative and leading New South Wales 1st grade playmaker David Harvey into his squad on a short term contract.
Harvey has recently returned after a stint in France with Narbonne and is coming off a 2011 season where he became just the fourth player in Shute Shield history to win the Ken Catchpole Medal, as the best player in the competition, for a second time.
Harvey impressed during a trial in Perth last week and capped off his efforts on the training field with a strong display for the Emirates Western Force A side in a curtain raiser match last Friday night. His steadying influence at first receiver helped the West Australian’s to an impressive 61-5 win against NSW 1st Grade outfit West Harbour.
The opportunity to showcase his talent at FxPro Super Rugby level comes after a decade of persistence and hard work and Harvey is determined to make the most of the chance and secure a longer term deal in the west.
“There was an option to stay in France but when I was contacted by the Force and there was a possibility of being able to play Super Rugby, it was on offer too good to pass up,” Harvey said.
“There were never any guarantees but I have always worked to get the best from myself and held onto the hope that eventually an opportunity would come. I couldn’t be more delighted.
“I know there is a lot more work to do but getting a foot in the door is fantastic and now it is up to me to show I belong here.”
It would be the culmination of a long road for the affable Harvey if he was to make his FxPro Super Rugby debut this weekend at the Sydney Football Stadium, a ground he has sat watching and wondering ‘what if’ from the stands on so many occasions.
“It would be absolutely amazing to represent the Force and take part in a match at the SFS. You can wait a long time for good things to come your way and the chance to live it out in front of family and friends would be incredible,” said Harvey.
“It might take one year, it might take five, but if you remain committed to achieving your goals then anything is possible.”
The short term contract will initially cover a four match period.
Name: David Harvey
Position: Flyhalf
DOB: 20/5/1982 (Brisbane)
Height: 176cm
Weight: 89kg
Awards: 2008 & 2011 Ken Catchpole Medal (best player in NSW 1st Grade competition)
Playing History: 2012 Narbonne (France), 2011 - Australian Barbarians and Captain of Sydney Rugby, 2005 - 2011 - Gordon (NSW 1st Grade), 2009 Australian Barbarians, 2007 - 2008 Australian Sevens, 2007 Central Coast Rays (Australian Rugby Championships), 2006 Coventry (UK), 2005 Harlequins (UK), Newbury (UK)