ACT Brumbies gain Ben Mowen and Siliva Siliva from Waratahs and Western Force – Super Rugby
Australian Super Rugby franchise, ACT Brumbies, have strengthened their squad for the 2012 Super Rugby season campaign with the signing of utility back rows forward Ben Mowen from Waratahs and front row forward Siliva Siliva from Western Force. Club officials
have confirmed the signing of both forwards on a two-year deal on Wednesday, July 6.
Mowen has expressed his delight with the signing a contract with the Brumbies. He said, “It's exciting to be given the chance to work with a young, up-coming group at the Brumbies.”
Mowen added that he made his decision to join the Brumbies following his discussion with the Brumbies head coach, Jake White. He said, “I've spoken to Jake a couple of times and that's what sealed it for me - his enthusiasm and his commitment to making sure
we are well placed from day one to be competitive in the competition.”
Mowen has expressed hope that he will play a role in helping the Brumbies overcome their current challenges and help the side finish strongly in the 2012 Super Rugby season. Brumbies had a poor 2011 Super Rugby season as they finished 13th on
the combined Super XV table with 33 points coming from their 16 games in the season.
Mowen further added, "My immediate goals are to get to know my new team-mates and to work towards forming a side that can have a serious crack at the Super Rugby competition in 2012."
The 26-year-old Mowen is a talented back row forwards player. He has played at both number eight and at the flanker position. However, he has played as number eight for Waratahs.
Mowen is the former Australian national rugby union Under-21s team captain. He skippered the side in 2005. He has previously also played for Reds in the Super Rugby competition. The 20-year-old Siliva caught the eye of the selectors with his exceptional
performance for the Australian Under-21s side, during the recently concluded International Rugby Board (IRB) 2011 Junior World Championship (JWC).
Following his performance as hooker during the 2011 JWC, he was called into the Wallaby Scrum Camp where he played alongside Stephen Moore and Ben Alexander.
Siliva has expressed his optimism with the new contract and the opportunity to play with the likes of Stephen Moore. He said, “Being able to work with such a talented front row was really appealing to me when the option came up to play for the Brumbies.”
Siliva further added, “Players like Ben Alexander and Stephen Moore have been around the international scene for a few years now and it's a great opportunity for me to be able to learn from them and become a better front-rower.”
The ACT Brumbies have the rest of the year to prepare for the upcoming Super Rugby league. Hopefully the new players will help give the team the push required to make it tot the top of the tables next year.
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