Force lure another big gun
South Africa-born flank Chris Alcock has switched Super Rugby sides – moving to the Western Force from the Waratahs.
The Force said Wednesday that the 24-year-old Alcock, born in Durban, had signed a two-year deal.
The openside flank played 25 matches for the Waratahs since making his provincial debut against the Cheetahs two years ago, after he was taken from Sydney grade rugby for the beginning of the 2010 season.
Alcock, who played 12 matches in 2012, starting in the No.7 jersey for the bulk of the season, follows former Waratahs' coach Michael Foley west to Perth for the 2013 season.
Alcock is Foley's second signing following the retention of local product Kyle Godwin.
The South African-born 24-year-old says he's excited about representing the Western Force and continuing his partnership with Foley.
"I've got a great relationship with Foles and he's been very helpful in developing me throughout my professional career, so I was very pleased to have the opportunity to continue working with him at the Force," he said.
"It's a great opportunity for me at the Force. It's going to be a fairly new team with a number of guys leaving, and it's a great opportunity to be part of something new.
"I'm really excited about being a part of that Force back row in particular. In my mind it's been one of the most dominant back rows in Super Rugby and I'm really looking forward to getting involved and hopefully learning one or two things from them.
"My goal is certainly to get into that starting team but I need to be working on what the coaches tell me to work on and doing my best to be part of that 22 in any way, shape or form."
Foley says Alcock will play a key role within the Western Force's star-studded back row.
"Chris is one of Super Rugby's up-and-coming players and he's been a consistent performer for the Waratahs over the past three seasons," he said. "As we look to relaunch the side, someone like Chris will add to the competitive edge required – both on and off the field – to make the Western Force successful.
"Chris' game against the Force in Perth last year shows he'll complement the likes of [Matt] Hodgson, [Richard] Brown and [Ben] McCalman extremely well. He's a player that's hard on the ball but brings a balance to the game with his ball-carrying.
"As we look to finalise our squad ahead of the 2013 season, we'll continue to identify the best up-and-coming talent that will not only provide balance to the side, but can ensure its long-term success."
