Wallabies hopeful Lachlan McCaffrey handed Brumbies contract extension

Wallabies hopeful Lachlan McCaffrey has been handed a one-year contract extension by the Brumbies which will see him stay in Canberra until the end of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

McCaffrey, who is in his second stint with the Brumbies having made eight appearances in his first stay in 2014, re-joined the club from the Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership for the 2018 season and has since become an influential player in the ACT pack.

His dynamic ball carrying, physicality in the tackle and at the breakdown, and his leadership qualities have all shone during his past two seasons with the club.

Consequently, he has established himself as an outside chance to make the Wallabies squad for the World Cup in Japan later this year, and his decision to further his stay in the Australian capital could see him earn test caps next year.

“I’m very happy to have extended my deal with the club,” McCaffrey said.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time back in Canberra with the Brumbies. I’m enjoying my rugby and want to continue to help the Brumbies to be successful.

“The atmosphere and culture of this group, both on and off the field, is amazing and we are all pulling for each other and working hard to help bring another Super Rugby championship to the Brumbies and our supporters.”

“Canberra is a fantastic place to raise a family and I am looking forward to doing that with my partner Tash and our new arrival, baby Harper.”

McCaffrey claimed a try on his first match back for the Brumbies during his side’s 32-25 win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo last year, and has since gone on to increase his Super Rugby appearances total to 35 with six tries under his belt.

“Lachy is a senior player in our team and is now part of the leadership group,” head coach Dan McKellar said.

“He brings a lot of qualities on the field, as well as off it. He drives standards and accountability in both games and training.

“Lachy is a very natural footballer with a point of difference. He has tremendous skill for a backrower and sees space and opportunity on the field very well. They are all qualities that suit the way we now play at the Brumbies.”

The third-placed Brumbies’ next home match is this Saturday against the Reds at GIO Stadium in a much-win fixture with the Rebels trailing the Australian conference leaders by a solitary point.

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