The Brumbies have continued to bolster their backline depth, confirming the signing of Hawke's Bay centre Ollie Sapsford on a two-year deal.
The 26-year-old has impressed through the NPC since making his debut in 2019, named in the All Blacks Sevens squad in 2020.
Catch all the action in the Spring Tour on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
Having played as a forward at the Sevens level, his brutal skills were recently on display after scoring a hat-trick against Manawatu last week.
As he looks to guide Hawke's Bay to a title, Sapsford was eager to impress in the nation's capital after the completion of the provincial competition, holding eligibility for Australia through his mother.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Brumbies," he said in a statement.
“Having the chance to play Super Rugby and to work in a program that has the reputation the Brumbies has was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.
“I’ve had a pretty different route to the top level but having these next two years to improve and show I belong is something I’m grateful for and I’m now just so keen to get to Canberra after the NPC is finished and to get to know the coaches and my teammates."
Sapsford adds further depth to the backline after the departure of the likes of Mack Hansen, Solomone Kata and Bayley Kuenzle.
READ MORE:
RETURN: Arnold excited by Wallabies return
GETTING DIRTY: Reds go army for pre-season
IMPROVEMENT: Scots looking for next level against Wallabies
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar believes Sapsford has the capability to take the next step into Super Rugby, pushing new recruits Cam Clark and Chris Feauai-Sautia for a spot in the side.
“Ollie will be a good addition to our group for at least these next couple of years," he added.
“He's a really good athlete and is really hungry to get his crack at Super Rugby level.
“He’s made the jump from club rugby to NPC well and we think with time in our program, he’s certainly got the talent to kick on further.
“The coaching staff are all looking forward to working with Ollie and from all accounts, he’s a good young man who’s excited to come over and make that Super Rugby dream a reality.”
