Schoupp inks three-year deal on Waratahs derby eve
Sebastian Tan |
Prop Blake Schoupp has inked a three-year deal with the ACT Brumbies, cementing his spot with the club as he continues to rebuild from injury.
The five-cap Wallaby featured for the national team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, before his momentum was halted last April by a ruptured Achilles sustained against the Queensland Reds.
Since returning at the start of this Super Rugby Pacific season, Schoupp has provided a consistent impact from the bench for the in-form Brumbies to help them to third on the ladder.
The re-signing comes ahead of their clash with the NSW Waratahs on Friday night at GIO Stadium.
Schoupp will come off the bench in Canberra and is expected to reinforce the front row, which is without Rhys van Nek (hand) and captain Allan Alaalatoa (back), due to injury.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham praised the 27-year-old’s energy, set-piece work and all-round development.
“He’s a player who adds a lot to this squad, both on and off the field, so we’re really pleased to have him locked in moving forward,” Larkham said.
“He’s shown incredible resilience to come back from his injury, and he’s repaying the faith of the club and our fans with his performances on the field.”
Schoupp says he couldn’t be happier to stay on with the club which gave him a first Super Rugby contract ahead of the 2023 campaign.
“Coming back from injury wasn’t easy, but the belief the club showed in me really stuck. I just want to repay that trust every time I pull on the jersey,” Schoupp said.
“This group means a lot to me, and I feel like we’re building something really special here.”
Against their bitter rivals, the Brumbies welcome back winger Ollie Sapsford, lock Lachie Shaw and inside centre David Feliuai as they aim to bank a fifth win before their bye round next week.
The Waratahs will be looking to shake off last Saturday’s disappointing 35-20 loss to the Blues, with winger Andrew Kellaway returning from injury to take the place of Harry Potter (quad).
AAP