Waikato and Chiefs Lock Toby Lynn Signed by Western Force
Hamilton born lock, Toby Lynn, has signed a two-year deal with Australian Conference Super Rugby franchise, Western Force.
The 26-year-old will joined the Western Force at the start of the 2012 Super Rugby championships. This is the first overseas assignment for the New Zealand born player as all his previous teams were based at home. His new squad has won three games of the
11 they have played so far in the season.
Lynn started his rugby career with the Te Rapa club. In 2004, he started his professional senior rugby club debut for his provincial side Waikato Chiefs. Lynn’s exceptional talent has helped him earn a place in Waikato at the age of 20. He made his debut
for Waikato against the Northland in Whangarei during August 2004.
Regarded as one of the most experienced tight forward Waikato has produced, Lynn has played in both Rebel Sport Super 14 levels and Air New Zealand Cup. Toby Lynn has made 65 appearances for Waikato and has 10 points.
In 2007, Toby Lynn joined the super rugby franchise Chiefs and made his super rugby debut against the Brumbies in 2007. He has represented Chiefs 32 times in their Super Rugby competitions.
Nicknamed “Crush”, Lynn is an eligible for the Australian team because his grandfather was born in the Perth. Commenting on his decision to switch to Force, Lynn said, “I have played my whole career in Waikato and felt that it was time for a change, a different
perspective, and I'm pretty excited about what the Force can do for my rugby as well as what they can achieve as a team in the Super Rugby competition.”
Lynn further added that he is looking forward to play alongside the likes of Nathan Sharpe and Sam Wykes in the forward line. Lynn termed Nathan Sharpe as the one of the best locks in the world.
Lynn should not feel lonely at the Perth based franchise as his former Waikato team-mate Willi Ripia is already a regular member of the Force.
Western Force coach, Richard Graham, has welcomed the addition of Lynn to strengthen their forward pack. Graham has attributed Lynn with a mixture of youth and experience.
Graham further added, “Toby is a really industrious and hard-working lock. He is strong at the set-piece and will bring with him his experiences of playing in New Zealand during his professional career."
In other news, Force is still waiting on the decision of their top scorer from the tournament, James O’Connor, to either stay at the Force or part ways.
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