Australia’s Western Force on Thursday announced the signing of Sharks back-rower Brynard Stander, the eighth South African on their books, as they strengthened their squad ahead of this year’s Super Rugby season.
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Stander’s recruitment for two seasons continues the Perth-based club’s move away from a reliance on Australia’s east coast-based player pool.
Stander, 23, joins fellow senior squad members Wilhelm Steenkamp, Chris Heiberg and Marcel Brache, and extended squad members Dillyn Leyds, Dylan Sage and Francois van Wyk as newcomers to the Force.
Flyhalf Sias Ebersohn returns for his second season with the club.
Stander is an abrasive and physical back-rower who can play either side of the scrum or at number eight.
“Moving here from South Africa was a big decision, particularly moving away from my family, but it’s been such a welcoming atmosphere,” Stander said.