Pusey returns Down Under
Munster lock David Pusey has been recruited by new Perth franchise Western Force for next season’s inaugural Super 14 competition.
The 26-year-old is one of two European-based Australians signed by coach John Mitchell with Viadana fullback James Hilgendorf also set to relocate to Western Australia.
Pusey made 23 Super 12 appearances for the Brumbies between 2001 and 2003 but with Wallabies David Giffin, Justin Harrison and Daniel Vickerman ahead of him in the squad, he decided to move to Munster in 2003.
In Ireland, he has gained valuable experience alongside locks Paul O’Connell and Donnacha O’Callaghan, who have recently been selected for the Lions squad.
“The addition of a fourth Australian team is the best thing to happen for Australian Rugby in years,” said Pusey.
“There are a lot of good players running around over here who would jump at the chance to go back home and play Super 14. The Western Force has opened up this opportunity.
“While I have had a great experience playing here in Munster over the past two seasons, the chance to get back to Australia to play at the Super 14 level was just too good to refuse.
“When I was playing at the Brumbies I got the chance to learn a lot from the foundation members of the team whose input and experience helped me develop as a player.
“There is now a great chance for me to make a similar contribution as a foundation member of the Western Force.”
Mitchell admitted it was good to see quality Australian players returning for the expanded tournament.
He said: “This is what the new team is all about – giving players an opportunity to play Super 14 Rugby when there was not enough room for them in the three existing teams.
“David and James are both quality players who have been forced to look elsewhere for rugby opportunities, but who can now return home to play the game at the highest level.”
