Brumbies sign Force centre Kyle Godwin on a two-year contract

KYLE Godwin’s two-year deal with the ACT Brumbies was essential to keep the midfield humming at Australia’s best-performed Super Rugby club.

Kyle Godwin of the Wallabies poses during a portrait session on the Sunshine Coast.

KYLE Godwin’s two-year deal with the ACT Brumbies was essential to keep the midfield humming at Australia’s best-performed Super Rugby club.

Matt Toomua’s departure for English club Leicester and Christian Lealiifano’s leukaemia fight have torn the playmaking core from the Brumbies as coach Steve Larkham plans for next season.

Godwin, 24, was always pencilled in as Canberra-bound when he announced he was leaving the Western Force after five seasons but actually getting the contract sorted has taken a little longer.

The Brumbies announced Godwin’s arrival as a player capable of playing fly half.

Let’s have enough of the multi-position babble.

He is an inside centre and a very good one if allowed to develop in his best slot.

Reds-turned-Force centre Ben Tapuai has already had his career misdirected.

Kyle Godwin of the Wallabies poses during a portrait session on the Sunshine Coast.

He is an inside centre only and has rarely been able to just play where he is suited best because he has had to fit needs at outside centre.

Born in Zimbabwe, Godwin has been one of the Western Force’s best players since making his Super Rugby debut as a 19-year old in 2012 against the Queensland Reds.

His progress has stalled at times.

Injuries have contributed.

He has look a future Wallaby and overrated during other periods.

On Saturday night, Godwin may get his shot at a Wallabies debut with a possible bench spot against South Africa at Suncorp Stadium in the offing.

“The opportunity to grow as a person and as a rugby player at the Brumbies is something I could not ignore,” Godwin said.

Kyle Godwin of the Force looks to break a tackle at nib Stadium in Perth.

“The opportunity to be coached by Stephen Larkham, someone who played in a position similar to me was definitely another reason for the decision.

“I’ve loved every minute at the Western Force and the club will always be very special to me, but the move to the Brumbies is the best decision for my career.

“I’ve lived in Perth my whole life, I live 10 minutes away from training so it’s going to be a big change moving to Canberra but I need a change to keep pushing me and challenging me.

“To be able to link with the current Australian conference champion is something I am extremely grateful for and I’m really looking forward to this next chapter of my career at the Brumbies.”

Larkham should be excited because 52-game midfield players of experience, talent and the ability to make a real difference to a team are rare in Australian rugby.

“We were looking for someone who has strengths in both attack and defence. Kyle possesses those skills as well as great game vision and a powerful running game. It will be an exciting time for us when he joins our backline next season,” Larkham said.

Originally published as Brumbies sign Force centre Kyle Godwin on a two-year contract