The Brumbies have secured the services of promising young lock Nick Frost - the former Aussie schoolboy who rocked the boat by joining the Crusaders two years ago.
Frost, a 205cm lock, stirred up controversy in 2017 by electing to spurn local offers and sign with the Crusaders Development Program; a decision that drew criticism on Rugby Australia given his father was employed by Rugby AU as a retention manager.
But the Brumbies and Rugby Australia have returned Frost to the Aussie system on a two-year contract for 2020 and 2021.
Frost, 19, has already landed in Canberra and will train with the Brumbies this year, along with playing for Queanbeyan in the John I Dent Cup.
Frost's signing will help the Brumbies add depth to their locking ranks, with Rory Arnold and Sam Carter both heading overseas after this year.
“I looked at the long-term and decided that I wanted to play for the Wallabies in the future,” Frost said in a Brumbies statement.
“It was a good learning experience at the Crusaders, living away from home and growing as an individual and it was an opportunity to play away from home.
“I learned a lot about structure and about how New Zealanders play rugby. It took me a while to learn, but once I got it, it came easily. It was a very enjoyable time. It certainly suited my style as a player but now I’m excited by the prospects on offer here.
“Canberra seems similar to Christchurch as a small City and it’s easy to do things here. Off-field it feels like a great fit for me with the style of rugby as well as the culture and environment at the Brumbies.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said he was impressed by Frost's decision to join the Crusaders after school.
“It was common knowledge a couple of years ago that Nick left for overseas from being an Australian Schoolboys lock. I have a lot of respect for someone like that, someone who’s prepared to take themselves out of their comfort zone and improve himself. We now welcome Nick in making the move to Canberra," McKellar said in a statement.
“Nick is a big boy and what strikes most is his athletic ability.
"He has a background in athletics and moves very well for a big man. We will work closely with Nick on his ongoing development through this year with his arrival now in preparation for the 2020 Brumbies season."
