Former Canterbury Student Makes Wallabies Squad
Former Canterbury student Andrew (Andy) Muirhead – (Canterbury College: 2002-07, Years 4 – 9) has made the extended 38-strong Australian Wallabies Rugby Squad.
National Coach Dave Rennie included Andy amongst 11 uncapped players in his 2021 Wallabies outfit, ahead of preparations for the upcoming three-Test series in July against France.
It’s a worthy reward for the now 28-year-old, 84kg, 183cm ACT Brumbies winger and fleet-footed try-scorer, after consistently impressive performances in the Super Rugby AU (Australia) competition over recent seasons.
Muirhead was part of a 40-player squad that attended a three-day rugby camp on the Gold Coast earlier this year under Wallabies Coach Rennie, as a promising sign of things to come.
Former Wallaby Morgan Turinui, now a sports commentator, has been pushing for Muirhead’s national selection, saying his statistics speak for themselves.
And Brumbies Head Coach Dan McKellar also believes Muirhead deserved his chance.
“You love to see someone like Muirhead eventually getting rewarded at that level because he’s been knocking on the door for a long time,” McKellar said.
“It’s not a fluke – he consistently manages to find space and he just comes up with those special effort areas that others don’t.”
Congratulations Andy from everyone here at Canterbury College – your old stomping ground!
Image Credits: Mark Nolan/Getty Images & ACT Brumbies Website.
2021 Full Wallabies Squad
Forwards: Michael Hooper (c), Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Pone Fa’amausili*, Feleti Kaitu’u*, Rob Leota*, Lachlan Lonergan*, Fraser McReight, Isi Naisarani, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Matt Philip, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Darcy Swain*, Lachie Swinton, Sitaleki Timani, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Michael Wells*, Harry Wilson.
Backs: Tom Banks, Filipo Daugunu, Lalakai Foketi*, Jake Gordon, Reece Hodge, Len Ikitau*, Andrew Kellaway*, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Andy Muirhead*, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Izaia Perese*, Matt To’omua, Nic White, Tom Wright.
* = Uncapped
Clubs Represented: 12 Brumbies, 9 Reds, 9 Rebels, 6 Waratahs, 2 Western Force.