Waratahs sign Freier for two more seasons

NSW Waratahs and Wallaby hooker Adam Freier has signed a new two-year deal with NSW Rugby and the ARU that will see him remain in sky blue until at least the end of 2008.

Freier, who is currently on the comeback trail after suffering a foot injury playing for the Wallabies against England in Melbourne last month, said he was more than happy to stay with the 2005 Super 12 runners-up.

“I didn’t want to leave the Waratahs so it was just a matter of waiting for the right offer and then agreeing to it,” Freier said.

“I’ve spent four very happy seasons at the Waratahs and I’m looking forward to many more.”

Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie said the 2006 Matthew Burke Cup winner is an asset both on the field and off it.

“Adam is a natural leader and his maturity and dedication is a massive boost for the team,” said McKenzie.

“His work at the set piece is highly underrated and he has one of the best work ethics I’ve seen. Not only that, but he’s a quality person and it’s good to have good people like that around the place.”

Freier came to the Waratahs at the start of the 2003 season having made his Super Rugby and Test debuts the previous season while at the ACT Brumbies.

He’s since played 54 state and 48 Super Rugby matches for the Waratahs, winning Wallaby selection in both the 2005 & 2006 seasons.

ADAM FREIER

A former Australian captain at U19 & U21 level, Adam Freier joined the Waratahs prior to the start of the 2003 season and has since featured in over 50 matches for his state. A graduate of Sydney’s Waverley College, he won plenty of respect in his step up to the starting hooker’s role in 2006 following the departure of Brendan Cannon. Freier was named winner of the Matthew Burke Cup for 2006, such was his impact during the season just passed.

Freier’s step up in form also attracted the attention of national selectors, earning him a call up to the Wallaby squad for the 2006 domestic Test series. Unfortunately for the 26 year-old, injury befell him on his first appearance for the year, against England in Melbourne.

A well liked and highly respected member of the squad, Freier is enormously strong and mobile, to the point where his work rate is often compared to that of a loose forward. Such is his durability and consistency, he has missed just one match in the past three Super Rugby seasons.