The Plus500 Brumbies are pleased to announce the inclusion of Reece Tapine and Archer Holz to their Super Rugby squad for the 2021 season.
21-year-old Tapine starred as an outside back for Norths Eagles in Brisbane’s Hospital Cup this season, having made the switch from Rugby League where he was part of the Burleigh Bears setup.
Bolstering the Brumbies outside backs stocks, Tapine has the ability to play in the centres or on the wing.
Reece Tapine said: “I’m honoured to be joining the Brumbies.”
“After chatting to Dan (McKellar), I think the Brumbies is where I need to be right now for my development.
“Having a season of Premier Grade rugby under my belt after focusing on league the past couple of seasons, I’m confident I can add to the group down in Canberra.
“Everyone has been very welcoming so far, and I'm looking forward to ripping into preseason.”
20-year-old Tighthead prop Archer Holz was one of the breakout stars of the 2020 Shute Shield competition in Sydney, anchoring the Eastern Suburbs scrum in his maiden first grade season.
Originally from Lightning Ridge, NSW, Holz will look to continue his development in Canberra under the tutelage of Dan McKellar, Laurie Fisher and Set-Piece coach Dan Palmer, alongside current Wallabies props Allan Alaalatoa, Scott Sio and James Slipper as well as Academy products Tom Ross and Harry Lloyd.
Archer Holz said: “I’m so excited to be joining the Brumbies.”
“The club has such a big history and I know this is the place for me to develop my game.
“Walking around the facility, it felt like a good fit for me and I already know a few guys in the squad so I’m just looking forward to training starting.
“I know now is when the hard work starts but I couldn’t have better coaches in Dan, Laurie and Palms to learn from.”
27 of the Brumbies Super Rugby AU title squad are returning for the 2021 season, with five Academy graduates joining that group alongside Holz and Tapine.
Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: “We’re excited for Reece and Archer to be joining our group.”
“Archer’s a good country boy with a thirst for set-piece and physicality and if he works hard, we feel he can reach his potential in our programme.
“Reece, he’s a big body, with speed and footwork, well balanced so we feel he’ll be a good fit for us.
“Joining our club, there’s a steep learning curve and for these boys, coming into their first professional environment, it’ll likely take some getting used to but if they work hard, and embrace the challenge, they’ll continue to improve and develop.”
