Waratahs sign Brumbies lock Tom Staniforth on a three-year contract

THE Waratahs have bolstered their depleted second-row stocks by signing big Brumbies lock Tom Staniforth on a three-year deal.

Brumbies lock Tom Staniforth secures a lineout under pressure from Rebels flanker Adam Thomson.

THE Waratahs have bolstered their depleted second-row stocks by signing big Brumbies lock Tom Staniforth on a three-year deal.

Dean Mumm’s retirement and Will Skelton’s move to Saracens has opened up an opportunity for the raw-boned 22-year-old, who has played 17 Super Rugby games since his 2014 debut, without being able to hold down a regular starting spot.

Staniforth, a former Australian under-20s vice-captain and Canberra Grammar student, will move to Sydney later this year.

“Tom is a young, hardworking 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,” said Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson.

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Brumbies lock Tom Staniforth secures a lineout under pressure from Rebels flanker Adam Thomson.

“He’ll have the chance to work his way into the matchday squad and his attitude will count for a lot and I think he’ll do well here, learning in a new environment.”

At 1.98m and 113kg, Staniforth certainly has the physical tools to develop into a top quality lock.

“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.”

Originally published as Waratahs sign Brumbies lock Tom Staniforth on a three-year contract