Josh Holmes

CA Brumbies new recruit Josh Holmes joins the CA Brumbies from Investec Super 14 rivals, the NSW Waratahs. Holmes, a former Australian Under 19, Australian Under 21 and Australia A representative, is regarded as one of the finest scrumhalf prospects in the country. Brumby Jack caught up with Josh during his first week at the CA Brumbies.

Brumby Jack: How are you finding your first week in Canberra and with the CA Brumbies?
Josh Holmes: It’s been really good; it’s a bit different from NSW. It’s a great environment with all the boys living so close, so you can cruise around and spend some time with the other guys. In Sydney I was an hour’s drive away from training and here I’m a two-minute walk away. It meant that I didn’t get a chance to see much of the [Waratahs] boys on the weekend but here everyone’s so close, so it’s a tight environment.
 
BJ: Do you think having played with a lot of the CA Brumbies players at Australian Under 19, Under 21 and Australia A will help you not only settle in here but also help you on the field during the Investec Super 14?
JH: It does help knowing how the boys play but there’s a solid block of time over the summer to get a good idea about how others play and start to form combinations.

BJ: Do you think that having played under Laurie Fisher already for Australia A will stand you in good stead in terms of fitting in to a new team?
JH: Making my decision to come here was based on the great coaching staff here with Laurie and Matty [O’Connor] and Scriv [Nick Scrivener]. The Brumbies have gone pretty well over the past few years so I’m looking forward to the new game plan and being part of the squad.

BJ: Was the coaching staff the main attraction for coming to the CA Brumbies?
JH: Yeah, that and potentially having the opportunity to start and get some more Super 14 time. The Brumbies have been very successful as well, both on the field and getting the most out of their players, which was attractive too.

BJ: Have you set yourself any goals for this pre-season and leading into 2008?
JH: My goals are pretty straightforward. I’m just looking use this pre-season block to get stronger and faster and do everything possible to benefit myself for next year, and move towards the eventual goal of a starting berth for the Brumbies.