NRC winner upgraded to Super Rugby contract

Wed, Oct 26, 2016, 3:30 AM
Marty Cambridge
by Marty Cambridge
Ruru playing in the NRC for Perth Spirit. Photo: Getty Images
Ruru playing in the NRC for Perth Spirit. Photo: Getty Images

The Western Force have continued their off-season recruitment drive, announcing the signing of local scrumhalf Michael Ruru to their Super Rugby squad for 2017. 

The scrumhalf had a standout year, winning the PG Hampshire award in the Pindan Premier Grande, named the MVP at the World Club 10s in Mauritius and played a role In Perth Spirit’s successful 2017 NRC campaign.

The 25-year-old plays for Nedlands in the local competition and says the opportunity to play for the Force was a dream come true.

“I’m absolutely stoked, it’s always been a dream of mine to play Super Rugby,” Ruru said.

“The Force has given me the opportunity and I’m taking it with open arms.”

He will have to battle with two Super Rugby experienced scrumhalves in Ryan Louwrens and Ian Prior in what he says can only be a good thing for the Western Australian franchise.

“Competition is great; I think that’s what makes it all the more exciting. Having that challenge and someone who’s going to push you is what it’s all about,” Ruru said.

Ruru was part of the Perth Spirit side that won the 2016 Buildcorp NRC. Photo: Getty Images“Louwrens, Prior and myself offer different styles of play, which is great but at the end of the day we’re striving for the same goal; to promote rugby in WA and to have a great season with the Western Force.”

New Force coach, Dave Wessels also very happy to have Ruru on board for 2017 and providing competition for starting spots.

“Michael has been a stalwart of local Perth rugby for some time, the most impressive thing about Mike is that he’s aggressive, competitive and he really wants this opportunity,” Wessels said.

“Those three qualities combined make him a pretty good get for us.”

“We’ve got a really nice race shaping up at scrumhalf, with Ryan Louwrens playing very well and Ian Prior with all of his experience and then we have Michael Ruru who is just extremely hungry.

“So there’s going to be some competition for us at nine next year, which is going to be beneficial for all three of those players.”

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