Playford chases Super 14 dream

New recruit Peter Playford has cited the desire to develop his game to Super 14 standard as the motivating factor behind joining the Brumbies for 2007.

The 26-year-old winger spent the 2006 season representing New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) newcomers, the Tasman Makos, alongside current All Blacks Chris Jack and Rico Gear. Playford, renowned as a prolific tryscorer, crossed for six tries in his eight games with the Makos, including a four-try haul against Northland.

Despite his excellent form in the NPC, Playford says he jumped at the opportunity to play with the Brumbies.

“I’d heard a lot of talk about the Brumbies being the best place to play footy,” he said. “While I’ve only been here a matter of days, I’ve noticed a really good atmosphere and a very professional environment. It’s easy to see why they produce so many Wallabies.”

The former St Joseph’s student and Australian Schoolboys representative spent one season in rugby league with the Sydney Roosters in 2002 before returning to rugby to play for Sydney University the following year. Playford set a Sydney club rugby record when he crossed for 29 tries for Sydney University during 2005. The stellar season also earned him a call-up to the Waratahs’ development tour of Europe and the Middle East.

Playford says he was inspired by his 2001 Australian Under 21’s team mate and former Waratah Mark Gerrard, when making his decision to join the Brumbies.

“I just want to give it a good crack and make sure that I reach my potential,” he said. “While I enjoyed my time with the Waratahs, I just don’t feel that they produce my type of player. Being a fringe Super 14 player at this stage, I want to get an opportunity to progress to the next level which is something that I feel I can do at the Brumbies.

“I look at blokes Gerrardy and how he developed when he came down here, which is what I’d like to do as well.”

Coach Laurie Fisher says Playford is an exciting prospect for the Brumbies.

“He’s scored a lot of tries for Sydney Uni during 2004 and 2005 in the Tooheys New Cup,” he said. “Peter’s a player who can put himself in the right spot at the right time and knows his way to the tryline. He’ll definitely be competing for a position in the backline.”