Cadeyrn Neville
The Reds have signed Melbourne Rebels lock Cadeyrn Neville for 2 years, as they look to find a replacement for the departing James Horwill.
The 26-year-old will join the Reds at the conclusion of the 2015 Super Rugby season, whilst Horwill makes is way north to join Premiership side Harlequins after the the World Cup.
Originally from Manly in Sydney and a former rower with the Australian Institute of Sport, Neville has spent the past 4 seasons in Melbourne and played more than 40 Super Rugby games for the Rebels.
At 2.02m and 123kg, Reds head coach Richard Graham believes the developing Neville will make a suitable replacement for departing Wallabies lock Horwill.
“I have had my eye on Cadeyrn now for a number of seasons. I 1st met with him in the middle of 2011 leading into the 2012 Super Rugby season.
“He was reasonably new into his career at that stage but had come from an elite rowing program. He had all the physical qualities that I felt we could develop and a genuine desire to be the best he could in his new sport,” Graham said.
“At a touch over 2 metres tall and 120kg, he is a big man.
“We’ve seen over the past few seasons that a lot of tight forwards have been poached by overseas clubs, however Cadeyrn has aspirations here in Australia and he believes the best environment for him to achieve those is here at the Reds.
“James has been a significant part of the Reds program since 2006, but at some stage his career here at Ballymore was always going to end.
“Due to his transparency and willingness to work with the Reds, it provided us with time to go about our recruitment. This has allowed us to search the market and attract a very good replacement in Cadeyrn.
“We have good depth at lock and the inclusion of Cadeyrn will ensure we continue to be strong in that area,” added Graham.
Neville said he was excited to experience a different team and city in the next stage of his career.
“I’m looking forward to joining a team and forward pack, in particular, with many experienced Wallabies that together with some talented up-and-coming players should be looking to build success going forward.
“I haven’t lived in Queensland before so the change of lifestyle is also something I’m looking forward to.”
Neville has twice been included in Wallabies’ squads, in 2012 and 2014, but has yet to make his Test debut.
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