The Emirates Western Force has signed tenacious NSW Waratahs flanker Chris Alcock for two years.
Alcock will follow former Waratahs mentor Michael Foley across the Nullarbor for the 2013 FxPro Super Rugby season.
The gritty openside flanker has played 25 matches for the Waratahs since making his provincial debut against the Cheetahs two years ago, after he was plucked from Sydney grade rugby for the beginning of the 2010 season.
Alcock, who played 12 matches in 2012, starting in the ‘7’ jersey for the bulk of the season, is Foley’s second signing following the retention of local product Kyle Godwin.
The South African-born 24-year-old says he’s excited about representing the Emirates Western Force and continuing his partnership with Foley.
“I’ve got a great relationship with Foles and he’s been very helpful in developing me throughout my professional career, so I was very pleased to have the opportunity to continue working with him at the Force,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for me at the Force. It’s going to be a fairly new team with a number of guys leaving, and it’s a great opportunity to be part of something new.
“I’m really excited about being a part of that Force back row in particular. In my mind it’s been one of the most dominant back rows in Super Rugby and I’m really looking forward to getting involved and hopefully learning one or two things from them.
“My goal is certainly to get into that starting team but I need to be working on what the coaches tell me to work on and doing my best to be part of that 22 in any way, shape or form.”
Foley says Alcock will play a key role within the Emirates Western Force’s star-studded back row.
“Chris is one of Super Rugby’s up-and-coming players and he’s been a consistent performer for the Waratahs over the past three seasons,” he said. “As we look to relaunch the side, someone like Chris will add to the competitive edge required – both on and off the field – to make the Emirates Western Force successful.
“Chris’ game against the Force in Perth last year shows he’ll complement the likes of [Matt] Hodgson, [Richard] Brown and [Ben] McCalman extremely well. He’s a player that’s hard on the ball but brings a balance to the game with his ball-carrying.
“As we look to finalise our squad ahead of the 2013 season, we’ll continue to identify the best up-and-coming talent that will not only provide balance to the side, but can ensure its long-term success.”
Profile
Name: Chris Alcock
Born: 24/06/1988
Position: Flanker
Height: 182cm
Weight: 103kg
Representative Rugby: 2010-2012 NSW Waratahs