The CA Technologies Brumbies have taken another step towards securing their playing roster for the 2012 Super Rugby season by signing Ben Mowen and Siliva Siliva (pron. Sel-ee-va) to two-year deals.
Mowen is a former Australian Under 21’s Captain (2005) who has also represented the Waratahs and Reds at Super Rugby level.
At 115kg and 1.95m he will add a huge presence to the CA Technologies Brumbies pack, while his ability to play at blindside flanker or No 8 are also enticing aspects of his game.
“It’s exciting to be given the chance to work with a young, up-coming group at the Brumbies,” Mowen said.
“The Brumbies faced a few challenges this year, but it has made them stronger as a team and I’m looking forward to building on that over the next couple of years.”
After speaking with Head Coach Jake White, Mowen knew the CA Technologies Brumbies was the “right fit” for him to grow his rugby.
“I’ve spoken to Jake a couple of times and that’s what sealed it for me – his enthusiasm and his commitment to making sure we are well placed from day one to be competitive in the competition,” he said.
“My immediate goals are to get to know my new team mates and to work towards forming a side that can have a serious crack at the Super Rugby competition in 2012.”
Siliva comes to the CA Technologies Brumbies having been a star performer for the Australian 20’s team and a key member of the Force’s Academy in 2011 at hooker.
A player with enormous potential, Siliva has spent the past week at Wallaby scrum camp getting to know some of his future team mates like Ben Alexander and Stephen Moore.
And despite being the youngest member of the CA Technologies Brumbies 2012 squad, Siliva’s performances for Australia at the recent Junior World Cup were eye catching.
Weighing in at 110kg, Siliva will have the good fortune of refining his game in Canberra with Moore, one of the world’s premier hookers.
“Being able to work with such a talented front row was really appealing to me when the option came up to play for the Brumbies,” Siliva said.
“Players like Ben Alexander and Stephen Moore have been around the international scene for a few years now and it’s a great opportunity for me to be able to learn from them and become a better front-rower.
“It’s going to be a young team, but there are a few old heads in there too and I’m looking forward to playing rugby with the Brumbies in Canberra.”
Ben Mowen
POS No 8
H/W 1.95m, 115kg
DOB 1/12/1984
SR 43 (42 Waratahs, 1 Reds)
Club Randwick
Siliva Siliva
POS Hooker
H/W 1.77m, 110kg
DOB 11/12/1991
