Mitchell Chapman

CA Brumbies new recruit Mitch Chapman has returned from a shoulder reconstruction and is currently in the thick of his pre-season preparation for the 2008 Investec Super 14 season. Chapman joins the CA Brumbies after three years with the Queensland Reds. Brumby Jack caught up with ‘Chappo’ to see how he was shaping up for 2008.

Brumby Jack: How are you finding your time at the CA Brumbies?
Mitch Chapman: It’s been very enjoyable so far. I’m starting to get to know the guys pretty well and we’re getting stuck right into the footy now so it’s very exciting and everyone’s looking forward to the first round [of the Investec Super 14] in three or four weeks time.

BJ: You started in every match for the Reds in 2007. What was the motivation for coming down to Canberra to play with the CA Brumbies?
MC: Basically trying to improve my game, get to that next level and be part of a winning side. I’ve been in Queensland for six years since I was at school and this was a chance to experience something different and new coaching staff and I thought this was the time to do that.

BJ: You can play both lock and in the backrow, what’s your preferred position?
MC: Definitely the backrow because you don’t have to push in the scrum [laughs]. But it gives you more scope around the field to play a bit looser and the chance to attack a bit wider.

BJ: Who do you see as your greatest competition for a spot in the CA Brumbies starting XV?
MC: There are probably four or five guys. Everyone in the squad is very competitive and most guys can play two or three positions. But there are a number of highly skilled players in the squad like Julian Salvi,  Jone Tawake, Peter Kimlin, Richard Stanford who can all play more than one position and will definitely put their hand up for a starting berth.

BJ: You’ve had time to get a feel for the CA Brumbies style of play, what can we expect from the CA Brumbies this season?
MC: With the new laws, hopefully you’ll see a pretty creative style of play – the Brumbies have always played that way but I think that’ll be the case even more so now. There’s also been a focus on capitalising on our unstructured and attacking football.