The Brumbies have confirmed that highly-rated Australian U18 hooker Billy Pollard has committed to Rugby Australia and the Brumbies under a four-year contract with the club.
Pollard will join the Brumbies Academy Development Programme for 2020, including pre-season training time with the Plus500 Brumbies, alongside other Brumbies development players.
Pollard, who had attracted the attention of several high-profile NRL clubs throughout his formative career, has chosen rugby union after a series of strong performances, culminating in a standout display for the young Wallabies in their win over New Zealand.
Playing in the front row, Pollard showed great speed and determination to go the length of the field in the U18 Test match, hauled down just short of the line, a snapshot of the pace, skill and potential that he possesses.
“We are extremely happy to have signed Billy, who we believe is a player with enormous potential,” Plus500 Brumbies Head Coach Dan McKellar commented.
“Like any 18-year-old hooker, Billy is just getting started, but he has the necessary attributes to succeed at Super Rugby level and is very much in the mould of the modern-day hooker.
“In attack he is dynamic, wants the ball in his hands and has tremendous speed and acceleration for a front rower. Defensively he is abrasive and aggressive, loves to compete and enjoys the physical side of the game. These are great natural traits that Billy has.
“We are excited to work closely with Billy over the next few years to ensure he reaches his full potential and goes on to have a long career with our club.”
Pollard had a choice of a number of clubs, across both codes, but ultimately picked the Brumbies due to their proven track-record of improving young players and giving them a chance to express their talent.
“I am very excited to be able to sign for the Brumbies,” Pollard said of his deal. “The club is well-known for giving young players an opportunity and helping them to develop in their career.
“I am looking forward to working with Dan and Laurie [Fisher] and learning off some of the best front row forwards in the country. The Brumbies set-piece is one of the best around and I can’t wait to get started.”