Highly promising lock leaves Crusaders for Brumbies

TRANSFER NEWS: The Brumbies announced the signing of highly promising former Australian Schoolboys lock forward Nick Frost from the Crusaders Development Program.

Frost, a 205cm second rower, has signed for the 2020 and 2021 seasons and has already joined the Brumbies program to further his development throughout the year, beginning his rugby in Canberra this weekend with the Queanbeyan Whites in the John I Dent Cup.

The 19-year-old, who has returned to Australia with the support of Rugby Australia, is looking forward to teaming up with the two-time Super Rugby Champions.

NEWS | Plus500 Brumbies delighted to announce the signing of former Australian Schoolboys lock forward Nick Frost from the Crusaders Development Program! pic.twitter.com/6NcMpnsJ3j

— Plus500 Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) May 2, 2019

“I looked at the long-term and decided that I wanted to play for the Wallabies in the future,” Frost said of the decision to move home.

“It was a good learning experience at the Crusaders, living away from home and growing as an individual and it was an opportunity to play away from home.

“I learned a lot about structure and about how New Zealanders play rugby. It took me a while to learn, but once I got it, it came easily. It was a very enjoyable time. It certainly suited my style as a player but now I’m excited by the prospects on offer here.

“Canberra seems similar to Christchurch as a small City and it’s easy to do things here. Off-field it feels like a great fit for me with the style of rugby as well as the culture and environment at the Brumbies.

Head coach Dan McKellar knows exactly what he is getting in the young forward, a physically imposing specimen and a player whose maturity belies his young age.

“Nick is a big boy and what strikes most is his athletic ability,” McKellar commented. “He has a background in athletics and moves very well for a big man. We will work closely with Nick on his ongoing development through this year with his arrival now in preparation for the 2020 Brumbies season.

“It was common knowledge a couple of years ago that Nick left for overseas from being an Australian Schoolboys lock. I have a lot of respect for someone like that, someone who’s prepared to take themselves out of their comfort zone and improve himself. We now welcome Nick in making the move to Canberra.”