Ollie Atkins added to HSBC Waratahs squad for 2013
17/09/2012
By Waratahs Rugby Media Unit
Sydney University's Shute Shield Grand Final-winning lock Ollie Atkins has been added to the HSBC Waratahs squad for next season.
After impressing in the recent Shute Shield finals series, including last Saturday’s Grand Final win over Southern Districts, the 24-year-old’s name is the penultimate addition to the HSBC Waratahs’ 2013 roster. He joins fellow second rows Sitaleki Timani, Kane Douglas and Greg Peterson.
Said HSBC Waratahs assistant coach Scott Bowen, "His standout feature is his work rate and the impact he has around the ground. He's a solid ball carrier, he hits a lot of breakdowns, makes his tackles and is effective with the scrum and lineout."
The announcement caps a breakthrough year for Atkins, who this time last year playing for Sydney University in the third grade Grand Final. Having spent most of the year working for GrainCorp, Atkins made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force against the Blues in Auckland in round 16, playing a full 80 minutes in the 32-9 loss at Eden Park and adding a further appearance the following week against the Crusaders.
After the completion of the Super Rugby season, the 200cm, 117kg Hobart-born lock returned to club duty, helping his club record an eighth Shute Shield Premiership title in nine years with a single-point victory over Southern Districts.
A product of Scots College, he was “a couple of years ahead of and a foot shorter” than his new teammate, Greg Peterson.
The final place in the 30-man squad for next year has yet to be confirmed.