News

Reds bolster pack

August 06 2008

The Queensland Reds have bolstered their pack with three new players heading to Brisbane in preparation for the 2009 Super rugby season.

27-year-old Adam Byrnes, who had a dust-up with Matt Dunning at NSW training last season, has put his signature to a two-year deal and will fly out with the Reds development squad on their four-game tour of Ireland and France later this month.

Following the departure to France of props Rodney Blake (Bayonne) and Ben Coutts (Mont-de-Marsan), the Queensland side have also lined up two young guns to shore up their front row.

Sydney University's Laurie Weeks has signed for two years while ACT Brumbies development squad member Jack Kennedy has verbally agreed to the same term.

The duo will join Wallaby World Cup member Greg Holmes, 2008 discovery Dayna Edwards and young blood Ben Daley as the heavyweights in coach Phil Mooney's rebuilding plans.

"With John Roe's retirement we're probably only looking to fill two back-row spots and a position in the outside backs," Mooney told The Courier Mail.

"We're definitely looking for Adam Byrnes to push for a starting spot. He's athletic, aggressive and has the work ethic we're after."

The 2m lock played two seasons with Irish club Leinster before his return to Sydney late last year and selection in this year's Junior Waratahs squad.

It was during opposed training against the NSW pack in February that he came to grips with Dunning and Wallaby lock Dan Vickerman.

The tour games against Connacht, Ulster, Leinster and French second division club Nice will help groove vital combinations for a squad that has undergone a major overhaul.