Force land aspiring Aussie playmaker as Reds sign another Wallaby lock

Welsh club Ospreys have continued to raid Australian talent, while an emerging playmaker will head west to escape a Super Rugby Pacific flyhalf logjam.

Lawson Creighton’s move from the NSW Waratahs to Ospreys comes after Australian pair Liam Wright and Lalakai Foketi were recruited earlier this month

Creighton began his career at the Queensland Reds before moving south last season and spending time in the No.10 and centres.

His departure from Ballymore came as Harry McLaughlin-Phillips emerged.

The 22-year-old flyhalf had been linked to a move last season before playing 11 games this year with Reds teammates Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh battling injury.

But with teenage playmaker Finn Mackay earmarked as one for the future, the former Junior Wallabies talent will pack his bags for Perth on a three-year deal with the Western Force.

“One of the biggest reasons for signing on is Cronno,” he said of coach Simon Cron, who mentored him last year for the AUNZ clash against the touring Lions.

“He’s a strong, dominant coach. He’s someone who I want to be led by.

“By committing for three years, that shows I want to be in this team and the Western Force organisation for a long time.”

Wallabies hopeful Ben Donaldson impressed in the No.10 for the Force this season, but with utility back Max Burey’s exit, there are opportunities for McLaughlin-Phillips to cement a role.

“Harry is a brilliant first five-eighth; he manages a game really well and is a triple threat, so keeps the opposition guessing,” Force coach Simon Cron said.

“He’s been on our radar for a number of years… we think his personality suits our group.”

The Reds, meanwhile, have addressed their lock shortage by adding ACT Brumbies stalwart Cadeyrn Neville on a one-year deal.

The 37-year-old, eight-Test Wallaby played 16 games for the Reds a decade ago, in between stints with the Melbourne Rebels and Brumbies.

The Reds lost locks Smith (Ospreys) and Angus Blyth (Waratahs) last season and, despite Lukhan Salakaia-Loto’s outstanding form, were exposed when Wallabies talent Josh Canham was sidelined through the middle period of their campaign.