CA Brumbies Hand-ed a boost prior to first home match

Ben Hand

The CA Brumbies have received a boost leading into the side’s first home match of the 2010 Investec Bank Super 14 season tomorrow night with lock Ben Hand re-signing for a further two years.

Hand joined the CA Brumbies from Italian club, Rugby Calvisano, for the 2009 season having made his Investec Bank Super 14 debut with the Waratahs in 2007. His new deal will see him remain at the CA Brumbies until the end of 2012.

The 27-year-old has not missed a match since making his Investec Bank Super 14 debut for the CA Brumbies against the Highlanders in 2009. He started all 13 matches for the ACT side last season and has been selected to start alongside Wallaby lock Mark Chisholm against the Lions at Canberra Stadium tomorrow night.

Hand says he’s looking forward to continuing his career with the CA Brumbies.

“It was a very straightforward decision [to re-sign with the CA Brumbies],” he said. “I think with the playing group we’ve got, the Brumbies are on the cusp of something very special.

“There was some interest from overseas but my heart was telling me that this was the only place I wanted to play my rugby. With the strength of the on-field and off-field culture and the coaching staff we’ve got at the club, the Brumbies one of the most sought after places to play rugby in the world.

“By signing on for another two years it gives me a chance to continue to develop my rugby as I still think I’ve got a lot of improvement left in me as a footballer. There’s also the potential of taking part in a World Cup next year which is an exciting lure for any Australian player.”

Head Coach Andy Friend says Hand has become an integral member of the CA Brumbies’ forward pack.

“We’re very pleased to see Ben recommit for another two years,” he said. “I think the regard he’s held within the side was reflected by the fact that he and George Smith were the only forwards to start in every match last season.

“He’s packed down with Wallaby locks in Mark Chisholm, Peter Kimlin and Justin Harrison during his time with us and the given that he’s held a starting position throughout that time would suggest that he’s certainly capable of higher honours.

“He’s a very consistent performer, a well-liked member of the squad and certainly provides additional leadership and a mature voice, particularly at lineout time.”

Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says Hand’s re-signing continues the CA Brumbies’ planning beyond 2011.

“It’s only early in the season but to have someone like Ben re-sign for two years already is a positive reflection on the club and the direction the CA Brumbies are heading,” he said.

“He’s been around professional rugby for a number of years now and to have senior and experienced players like Ben committing for another two years augurs well for our recruitment beyond the World Cup.”

Ben Hand
Position: Lock
Physical: 1.96m, 114kg            
Age: 24.04.1982, Sydney
Super 14 Caps: 26
Super 14 Points: 0
Super 14 Debut: 2007 (Waratahs) v Lions, Johannesburg