After the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies strong run at home, Scottish-born lock Sam Thomson will make his Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific debut this Friday night in Canberra, against the fast-paced Fijian Drua.
Thomson will join Wallaby Darcy Swain in the second row as head coach Stephen Larkham rests Cadeyrn Neville for this weeks clash, with the Brumbies looking to keep pace with the the Chiefs and Hurricanes who face-off in the headline fixture of the round.
Originally added to the squad as an injury replacement for Swain, Larkham is confident Thomson’s inclusion will add a calm head and experienced mindset to the side for their home game this week.
“He’s been in a lot of different programs, and he has gotten a lot of experience out of that," Larkham said.
"He reads the game really well, and he’s that older head who can bring a lot of composure to big situations.
“He’s got a really good ability to read the play and to put himself in the right position when he needs to be.”
Thomson has had a whirlwind football journey, jumping on the field in England, New Zealand, Japan, Scotland and now Australia.
After playing in the Shute Shield with the Warringah Rats, and then signing with Edinburgh in 2019 after being unable to land a gig in the Super Rugby, Thomson gained valuable experience during a short stint in Japan.
Finding his way back to the Rats, he soon jumped at the opportunity to train with the Brumbies.
It has been a long, injury-riddled road for Thomson throughout his pre-season, but the Scotsman is stoked to be able to run out with Brumbies for his Super Rugby debut.
“I’m excited, once you get into it the adrenaline takes over and its just making sure I get my role right," Thomson stated.
“I’ve got a couple of friends in the Fiji team as well from back in Scotland, so I’m looking forward to playing against them."
Words: Ollie Speldewinde
