Brumby bound for Premier League

Brumbies physiotherapist Ed Hollis will join UK Premier League side Tottenham Hotspurs in December trading the likes of Wallaby pairing George Gregan and Stephen Larkham for Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids and Irish striker Robbie Keane.

Hollis, who has been with the Brumbies since the end of 2005, has agreed to a two-year contract with the English football giants but says he was torn when making the decision to leave Canberra.

“The Brumbies have a reputation for developing players but they also have a great record of developing staff members,” he said. “There’ve been many coaches, managers, other team management and administrative staff who’ve gone on to higher honours in recent times, which is a tribute to this organisation.”

“I’ve enjoyed my time at the Brumbies a lot and I’ll be very sad to leave. But this is a great opportunity for me and my family. While I still feel I have some unfinished business here, this is a new professional challenge that I couldn’t turn down.”

Hollis’ passage to White Hart Lane came about after working with then Canberra-based English sports physician Kalpesh Parmar through clocal soccer team, the Belconnen Blue Devils, and the Brumbies last year. Parmar is now the club doctor for Tottenham Hotspur.

“When I was in London with the [Australian] Under 21’s in June and I dropped in to see Kal [Parmar],” he said. “He showed me around their facilities and we kept in touch a bit after that.

“Then I got a text message when we were playing the Reds at Ballymore [during the Australian Provincial Championship in September] asking if I’d consider working for the ‘Spurs. At first I thought it was one of the boys winding me up. When I found out the offer was legitimate, I was speechless.”

Hollis, who has overseen the Tuggeranong and Canberra Vikings, the Matildas and Canberra Raiders in addition to running his own practice, Southern Canberra Physiotherapy, says he is looking forward to the challenge of the new role.

“I’ve got no doubt it will be hectic,” he said. “Their winter schedule includes games up to three times a week and there’ll be a lot of hours involved. They’ve had an increasing injury problem at the ‘Spurs. So part of my role is to review the training techniques and physiotherapy methods and attempt to get them down to the level we have here.”

Hollis says that he will continue to follow the success of the Brumbies.

“I will always hold the Brumbies very close to me,” he said. “The camaraderie amongst the players is something I’ve never seen as close as it is here.

“The two memories I’ll take away from here are the games against the Force and the Bulls this season. Both of those games were won against all odds and it was just unbelievable to be a part of them. To me, that epitomises what the Brumbies are all about.”

Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says Hollis will be missed.

“Ed has been a tremendous asset to the Brumbies over the past year,” he said. “He’s an exceptional physio, he has an excellent rapport with players and staff and it’s no surprise that he has drawn international attention.

“While we will be sorry to see him leave, Brumbies Rugby is proud to promote personal advancement both with our players and staff.

“This is a great opportunity for Ed and his family and we wish them all the best.”

Hollis’ position with the Brumbies will be taken up by former Canberra Raiders and Sale Sharks physiotherapist Tim McGrath.