Hoiles, Stephen

Stephen Hoiles proved to be an outstanding addition to the CA Brumbies forward pack in 2007. The agile back rower started in every CA Brumbies’ fixture in 2007 and remained one of the side’s most consistent performers, locking down at the back of scrum at No.8 for each match and playing every minute of the CA Brumbies’ season, barring a five minute blood replacement against the Waratahs. Hoiles flourished in the CA Brumbies’ running-style of rugby and fended off criticism about his lack of size to fulfil the role of No.8 by reinstating himself in the Wallabies squad during a domestic Test season that featured his injury time try to secure the Australians’ 29-23 win over Wales in Sydney. The 26 year old, whose game is typified by his pace, mobility, crisp ball skills and high rugby intelligence, was selected for the Rugby World Cup and was one of six Wallabies to play in each Australian Test during the tournament. A versatile footballer and reliable lineout option, Hoiles can cover all three back row positions.

Born in Sydney, Hoiles began his rugby career as a six-year-old with the Coogee Juniors. Having attended Waverley College, Hoiles rose through the ranks at Randwick before breaking into the Waratahs’ squad in 2004. He played four matches in his first season and went on to claim a spot on the Wallaby Spring Tour of Europe, where he made his debut Test appearances against Scotland and England. After signing with the CA Brumbies in 2006, the mobile loose forward added another cap to his tally against Wales after missing the 2005 Spring Tour when he suffered a knee injury at the Wallabies’ training camp in Coffs Harbour.