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Canberra - The Waratahs have announced that Brumbies lock Tom Staniforth will join the Sydney-based Super Rugby side in 2018 on a three-year-deal.
With the retirement of Dean Mumm and with Will Skelton accepting an offer to play at Saracens, an opportunity has opened up for the former Australian under-20s vice-captain to join the Waratahs.
The former Canberra Grammar student will move to Sydney later this year.
Head Coach of the Waratahs Daryl Gibson says he has been impressed by the young lock’s skill set and strong work ethic.
“Tom is a young hard-working player who hasn’t had too many opportunities in Canberra but he impressed me with his no-nonsense attitude and I’m really looking forward to working with him, to help him succeed in Super Rugby,” Gibson said.
“He’ll have the chance to work his way into the match day squad and his attitude will count for a lot and I think he’ll do well here, learning in a new environment.”
The move to Sydney is just one of the challengers the 22-year-old Staniforth is facing.
“As well as joining a new team, it will be the first time I’ve lived outside Canberra so there will be a few, new off-field challenges for me as well,” Stainiforth said.
“But I love the way the Waratahs play, their open, attacking style suits me and it’s the type of game I can get really involved in.
“It’s a young squad with young players all looking to improve and play well together, so I’m really excited to be joining a new team and playing in Sydney.
“It will be tough to leave the Brumbies who I’ve been with since I left school, but joining the Waratahs is the best decision for me in the long term and I’m excited about the whole change.”
Staniforth made his Super Rugby debut against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium in 2014 after agreeing to a two week contract with the Brumbies to cover for injuries, before the Brumbies signed him to a longer term deal.
He was a member of the Australian Under 20 side which competed in the 2013 Junior world Cup in France and was again selected for the team the following year and was named vice captain.
Staniforth will complete his commitments with the Brumbies who will contest the Super Rugby finals series before joining the Waratahs for the 2018 season.
