There is plenty of exciting talent within the Australian clubs ready to step up as we head into the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season. In a new series, Rugby.com.au sits down with some of the players to watch, looking at Brumbies flanker Rory Scott.
Scott is one of the several born and bred Brumbies starting to make their name on the International stage.
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The 22-year-old made his debut for the club in 2021, going on to start the last five games including the Grand Final defeat against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
He comes through the exact same mould of stalwart Tom Cusack, attending the same school (Marist College) and club (Royals) before crafting their way into the Brumbies set-up.
Scott's journey to Super Rugby gives him a greater appreciation of what the rivalry with their 'big smoke' counterparts in NSW means, one of several in the squad who have come through their pathways.
The Brumbies have been renowned as a destination where players unwanted by the Waratahs (and Reds to a certain degree) come down to the nation's capital and make a name for themselves, embodied by no one more than captain Allan Alaalatoa.
“It’s a game we’re seen as, not in recent years, but as less than them because they’re from the big smoke and we’re from some country town,” Scott said to Rugby.com.au
“They had the first pick of all the players they reckon…when you play all the school comps, NSW are the big dogs and they come around and play really well. Maybe they train less than you but they still put on a good show."
Scott returns to Canberra full of confidence after a stint with the Australia A program in Japan.
The backrower worked his way onto the bench for the thrilling second-test victory over Japan XV in Fukuoka before starting the final game in Osaka.
“It was unreal,” Scott said.
“We have limited touring these days in Super Rugby so it was good. We often go to NZ but that was the first time (touring Japan) which was really cool.
“To be able to play more Rugby is invaluable. You can do a million passing drills but I think actually being there, running, tackling, and training does its best to mimic it but it just can’t quite (match it).
“It was good to see boys go on from that program and succeed…I think you get plenty of confidence from having more Rugby.”
The experience will be invaluable as Scott looks to cement his spot in a Brumbies' pack littered with Test stars.
He has his eyes set on the seven jersey, incredibly the only position that was not regularly filled by a Wallaby in 2022.
Even off the bench, the Brumbies have multiple hookers and second-row with international experience, with all four hookers in 2022 (Fainga'a, Lonergan, Pollard, McInerney) finishing the year with a cap to their name in the past 18 months.
This doesn't discount the competition for the position, with Scott battling highly impressive duo Jahrome Brown and Luke Reimer.
Brown has been a brutal addition since joining from New Zealand whilst Warringah product Reimer is yet another Shute Shield talent who has thrived in the Brumbies system.
Scott believes the competition around the forward pack will only push the team to greater levels as they hunt for the Super Rugby Pacific title.
“I think competition is awesome,” he said.
“Whoever ends up getting (the seven jersey) will have shown they are the best because all three of us are good options and bring something slightly different and want to play footy, not just train all the time.
“I think its part of a good side is that there are those people upset because they’re good enough to do the job but obviously one week or another someone else is trusted and given a chance, you know they’re going to do the job regardless.
“I think it is a good squad mentality to always be pushing each other.”
