The ACT Brumbies have promoted 21-year-old pathways prop Harry Vella to the club’s 2023 Super Rugby Pacific squad.
Vella has made a strong impression on ACT rugby since joining the Brumbies pathways program in September last year, the Nudgee College product performing well at loosehead for Canberra Royals in the Bentspoke John I Dent Cup.
A star at schoolboy level, Vella represented Australia at U18 level two years in a row in 2018 and 2019, and was a member of Junior Wallabies squads in 2020, 2021 that didn’t take to the field due to COVID.
Vella said he has enjoyed his time in Canberra and is looking forward to next season.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to represent the ACT Brumbies,” said Vella.
“Coming down from Queensland has been massive for my development, training with guys like James Slipper, going against Allan [Alaalatoa] in training, it’s been amazing.
“I know I’ve got heaps of work ahead of me to achieve that dream of playing Super Rugby but I’m relishing that and I’m just excited for next season.”
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham believes Vella has all the skills required to play Super Rugby.
“It’s great to have Harry locked in for next season.”
“Harry’s a player with enormous potential, who obviously excelled at that Schools level and we’re certainly fortunate his journey has brought him to the ACT where we believe he has all the tools to play Super Rugby.
“With Fred [Kaihea] and Harry, we have two excellent young looseheads to build for the future and the present and with Dan Palmer’s guidance, Harry should be ready to go for 2023.”
Harry Vella player profile
- Position(s): Prop
- Date of Birth: 07/03/2001
- Born: Mackay, Queensland
- School: St. Joseph’s Nudgee College, Brisbane
- Junior Club: Sunshine Coast Stingrays, Queensland
- Senior Club: Canberra Royals, Canberra
- Representative Honours: Brumbies Runners, Australian U18, Junior Wallabies Squad 2020, 2021 (Cancelled due to COVID)
