Academy Graduate Ross Signs Brumbies Deal

Brumbies Prop Tom Ross has signed a 2-year contract with the club following a successful maiden season in Super Rugby with his hometown team.

 
A product of the Brumbies junior pathways system, Ross made a swift transition to the professional level this year, graduating from the Academy and making his Brumbies debut at GIO Stadium in an epic win over the Waratahs. 
 

The Canberra-born tighthead recently turned 21 and joins fellow local products Noah Lolesio and Len Ikitau in committing his future to the Brumbies.

 
“Playing for the Brumbies has been my dream since I was a kid, so to re-sign here is incredible and I’m just so grateful for the opportunity,” Ross said of his new deal.

 
“Making my debut this year, with Mack (Hansen) was amazing, and to do it in a win against the Waratahs made it that much better.

 
“I’m enjoying the challenge every day of proving myself against guys like Scott Sio and James Slipper. I know I’ve still got some developing to do but I know that this is the best place for me to continue to get better as a player and a person.

 
“Working with Laurie (Fisher) and Ruaidhri (Scrum coach, Murphy), I just want to do everything I can to improve and I’m really looking forward to the future.”

Brumbies Head Coach Dan McKellar praised Ross’ progression in his first year as a professional.
 

“He’s already come a long way this year and the longer Rossy is in a professional program the better he’s going to be,” McKellar said.

 
“Making your debut in Super Rugby at 20 as a tighthead prop is not easy, and he’s performed really well when given a chance. When you consider tighthead props start to hit their peak at the age of 27 or 28 Tommy certainly has a head start on most in his position.

 
“Over the next couple of years Rossy will have the benefit of working alongside Allan Alaalatoa which will only accelerate his development. It is not that long ago that Allan was also a developing 20-year-old tight head prop.
 

“It is important now that Tom continues to focus on progressing both physically and as a footballer. In the position he plays, you have to almost live for scrummaging and mauling and the good thing is Rossy has a genuine thirst for set-piece.
 

“He works hard, and he’s got a really good character, which is something we value very highly at the Brumbies.”