The Brumbies have added towering lock Leon Power for the 2012 Super Rugby season from Bay of Plenty in New Zealand’s ITM Cup.
At 2m tall, Power’s huge frame and tough style of play were standout features of the 25-year-old’s game while playing for the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand’s ITM Cup this year.
Now at the Brumbies, Power is looking to leave his mark on the competition he’s worked so hard to be apart of.
A Kiwi-Aussie mix who had the luxury of choosing between the two mighty rugby nations, Power was born in Sydney but moved to the small town of Okato, near Taranaki on New Zealand’s north island at the age of six.
To speak to, most people would find it hard to believe Power has Australian heritage.
His thick Kiwi accent is sure to be tested with banter from the Brumbies boys over the next two years, but Power is just happy to be a part of such a professional rugby program.
“[The program] has been really good so far, it’s a step up from the ITM Cup as far as how specialised all the trainers are and all the technical aspects of training,” Power said.
“It’s really professional – you’re given every opportunity to be the best athlete you can be.
“There’s a big aura around the Brumbies back at home, as far as being the pinnacle of Aussie rugby… it’s a big honour to be here and I’ve got a lot to live up to really.”
With Mitch Chapman and Mark Chisholm both finishing their time in Canberra at the end of the 2011 Super Rugby season, Brumbies coaching staff were left to find some tall timber to fill the void.
Forwards Coach Laurie Fisher said he was pleased with Power’s progress and looked forward to seeing him make the most of a Super Rugby contract.
“I’ve watched a bit of Leon with the Bay of Plenty this year and what impressed me the most was that he just played for the full 80,” Fisher said.
“He’s got a good engine and he just worked away, made his tackles, chased the play and worked hard at the ruck so if that’s your basis, that you’ve got a really strong work ethic, then that suits where we want to go.
“We need people who want to get down and dirty and that’s what we’ve got to ask Leon to do, to put your head in where most people don’t want to and just work away, I think he’ll be great value for us in that respect.”
Leon Power
POS: Lock
H/W: 2m, 116kg
DOB: 27/2/1986, Sydney
Senior Club: Bay of Plenty