Huia joins Vikings

[Evie]

As bad as the injury was for Saia, it will be good to see Huia back in Oz earlier than expected. Will be interesting to see how he goes, it may give him the advantage over Saia in getting their Number 2 Brumbies jersey next season.

Edmonds joins Navy Canberra Vikings
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Brumbies Media Unit

CA Brumbies new recruit Huia Edmonds will return to Canberra and join the Navy Canberra Vikings for the Mazda Australian Rugby Championship (ARC).

The 25-year-old hooker, who played his junior rugby in Canberra, has been called into the side after Saia Faingaa suffered a grade two medial hamstring tear in his right leg during the Navy Canberra Vikings’ 17-8 win over the Perth Spirit on Friday night.

Edmonds, who has been playing with Western Province in South Africa’s Currie Cup and the Cape Town-based Stormers in the Investec Super 14, is expected to arrive in Canberra on Tuesday.

Brumby Runners hooker Anthony Hegarty will start for the Navy Canberra Vikings on Sunday against the Ballymore Tornadoes at Manuka Oval.

Navy Canberra Vikings head coach Nick Scrivener says Edmonds will be a welcome addition to the squad.

“We’re very fortunate to be able to bring an experienced player like Huia into the squad,” he said. “He’s played three seasons of Currie Cup, has represented the Waratahs and Stormers in Super 14 and we’re pleased that the timing has been right to bring him back to Canberra.

“It’s disappointing to lose Saia for an extended period. He was in good form through the Shute Shield and has carried that form through the first two rounds of the ARC.

“But with these injuries come new opportunities and Heggars [Hegarty] impressed when he replaced Saia last weekend and he certainly won’t be out of place or overawed by starting against the Tornadoes on Sunday.”

The Navy Canberra Vikings take on the Ballymore Tornadoes at Manuka Oval on Sunday, 26 August. General Admission tickets for Mazda ARC matches are currently on sale from Canberra Ticketek and all Ticketek agencies.

[Burgs]

That's a great gain for the Vikings and especially the Brumbies.
Word is it was between him and Tai to be the back up to Brendan in the inaugural squad with the third Rake as the development player.
I understand he is a converted Backrow and the one match I saw of him last year he is a superb player and I don't know why he hasn't been on the S14 arena before now.