Reds sign former Kiwi centre

Queensland Reds today announced the signing of former New Zealand Maori utility Ryan Nicholas for one year, and the re-signing of winger Caleb Brown on a two-year contract.

Nicholas, currently playing for Suntory in Japan, qualifies to play Super 14 rugby for Queensland because he was born in Australia, in Broken Hill, NSW.

The 1.9m, 100+kg former Otago player is a versatile back who can play on the wing, in the centres or at fullback.

Between 2002 and 2004, Nicholas played 31 games for the Highlanders and was the team’s leading try-scorer in 2002.

Reds’ coach Eddie Jones has been aware of Nicholas’ talents for some time and he came under closer scrutiny while Jones was working as Suntory’s technical advisor.

“I saw him play for the Highlanders and he was always a very good player, and over last two years for Suntory he’s done extremely well,” Jones said.

Jones describes him as a big, strong runner who gets through tackles, is very good in defence and is a 75 per cent-plus goal kicker.

“He’s still young at 27 and is already proven. He’s a bright bloke, a good team man and he’ll be excellent for us.”

As well as playing for NZ Universities, Nicholas was also a member of the NZ Sevens training squad and represented NZ in junior volleyball.

Jones is also pleased to have secured 19-year-old Brown to a two-year deal, describing him as a genuine try-getter with untapped potential.

Brown made his Super 14 debut this year against the Chiefs and went on to play 10 games for the Reds before earning selection in the Australian Under-21s team where he showed his versatility at fullback.

“He’s a great, enthusiastic young kid who I think typifies the spirit of this team,” Jones said.

“He’s keen to learn and wants to get out and play well with a lot of pride and passion for Queensland.”