Ben Hand Steps Up for Vickerman

The NSW Waratahs have elevated NSW Academy lock Ben Hand to its 2007 Super 14 squad following the loss of Daniel Vickerman until May next year.

While Vickerman recovers from shoulder surgery Hand will make the most of his opportunity.

“It’s a shame that my chance has come through Dan’s injury but I’m in now and I’m not here just to make up the numbers,” said Hand.

Waratahs Head Coach Ewen McKenzie agreed with Hand’s outlook.

“Ben’s been on the last two Gulf Air Development Tours, has captained NSW A, been in Grand Finals for Eastwood and performed exceptionally well during this year’s APC so he’s well prepared,” McKenzie said.

Hand pointed to the success of Al Kanaar and Will Caldwell as examples to follow.

“Both Al and Will have come through similar pathways so the Waratahs development programme has a strong track record for producing Super 14 second rowers,” Hand added.

BEN HAND

Position: Lock
Physical: 1.96m, 114kg
Born: 24.04.82
Club: Eastwood
Provincial Caps: 11
Provincial Points: 5 [t]
Provincial Debut: 2005 vs Auckland NPC

A former schoolboy representative, Ben Hand emerged as a leader through the NSW Waratah Academy this year. He captained the 2006 NSW A team and also won appointment as one of the vice-captains on the 2006 Gulf Air Development tour to England and Ireland.

In a busy year, Ben also took out the NSW Waratah Academy award for forward of the year. Ben toured Eastern Europe with the Waratahs in 2005. He’s played in two Grand Finals with Eastwood and also played in the 2006 APC for the Waratahs.