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'A big draw for me': Jack Walsh swaps Exeter for a Welsh region
By Kim Ekin
Ospreys have signed ex-Australia U18s and Sevens out-half Jack Walsh on a two-year deal from Exeter. The 22-year-old American-born graduate of the New South Wales Waratahs academy played for Manly Marlins in Sydney before heading to the UK in 2020 where he has played eight times for the Chiefs, scoring two tries and 20 points.
“I made contact with Toby and it was just the way he talked about the plans for the Ospreys, the team and the culture he was driving, it was just somewhere I wanted to play rugby,” explained Walsh on his new club’s website.
“He talked about the vision for the whole organisation, what Swansea was like as a city and how rugby is in Wales, and it’s just an exciting challenge. I talked to Tom Francis, Elvis Taione and Alex Cuthbert about the Ospreys and they just echoed what Toby said about the team, the culture and how much they were enjoying it.
“When you talk to experienced guys like that, who know what makes a successful club, that was a big draw for me. I am also very aware of how passionate Welsh rugby fans are and how loyal the Ospreys supporters are.
“I know the Ospreys are a proud club and the opportunity to be around players like Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and George North, and to learn from world-class players like them, is what every young player wants to do.”
Booth added: “Jack is a young and exciting prospect and is primarily a fly-half but has shown he is a multi-position player. He comes from a rugby league background in Australia and plays at the line and is not afraid to challenge tough defences. These are attributes we will need in the future.”
The decision by Walsh to join Ospreys will see him depart Exeter at the end of the current season along with the France-bound Sam Nixon, Jonny Hill, Tom O'Flaherty, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Sam Skinner and Don Armand. He said: “I learned a lot from my time with the Chiefs. Thank you to the supporters, coaches and fellow players for the warm welcome in Devon."
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Latest Comments
Thanks for a most interesting article, Brett. The build up to Lions tours is always fun, and these articles are great for discussion, and in my case education, as I don’t always get round to watching all the Super games fully.
For example I had not realised Hodgeman was 31, thought he was younger. So he is right in that age bracket where props down the ages often reach their peak. With his NZ background, he is a huge asset to have, first at Qld, second for the WB’s.
Daugunu, yes, and the time at the Rebels has seen his game refined, he is strong candidate. The player I would add to the list is Josh Canham. Not many mentioning him atm, but at 2.02 m and 116 kgs, and the way he is playing for the Reds, I would be looking at him as strong WB squad member. Uru I really like, as he brings a lot of flair with his game.
Good to hear you report that Schmidt is now not ruling Langi Gleeson out of Lions games contention. Wise move, as he is having now a very strong season, even outstanding. Good to see potential now being realised.
I would think Carlo Tizzano would also be one that Schmidt is looking at with interest. He has workrd hard to get to where he now is, and is having a very strong season. Sam Cane type player, a hard man. I guess he is a worthy successor to that great Force 7 of times past, Matt Hodgson.
Go to commentsIDK what your on about, a lot of people down here were very much tuned in on the All Blacks
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