Moore to join Brumbies

Incumbent Wallabies hooker Stephen Moore has agreed to a one-year deal with the Brumbies.

The 25-year-old was being pursued by the Western Force after announcing his intentions to leave the Reds at the end of the current campaign last month.

But Moore, who has an existing contract with the Australian Rugby Union until the end of 2009, said the Brumbies' attractive brand of rugby was the decisive factor in his decision to move to the nation's capital.

"I've always enjoyed the Brumbies' style of rugby and I believe it will suit my game," Moore said.

"There is a strong focus on player development at the Brumbies and this was a great chance to continue my progress as part of a world-class rugby program."

"I've played a fair bit of rugby with guys like Stirling Mortlock, George Smith, Guy Shepherdson, Mark Chisholm and Stephen Hoiles at Wallaby level, and having the opportunity to play regular football with them at the Brumbies was very appealing."

"There's a great culture at the Brumbies, there are a lot of world class players throughout their playing roster as well as a number of excellent young players coming through the ranks."

"I'm really excited about joining the Brumbies next year and keen to contribute to a successful season in 2009 and beyond."

Departing Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher, who coached Moore at Australian Under 21 level, predicted the Rugby World Cup rake would be right at home in the Brumbies' pack.

"Steve is undoubtedly one of the premier front rowers in Australia," Fisher said.

"He's worked very hard on the technical aspects of his game, he's a consistent lineout thrower, he's an excellent scrummager and he's extremely strong in contact."

"He's very mobile for a big man and at 25 he's still young for a front rower and has plenty of development left in his game."

"With Steve joining the likes of Guy Shepherdson, Nic Henderson, Mark Chisholm, Mitchell Chapman, George Smith and Stephen Hoiles, we're looking forward to the Brumbies boasting one of the strongest forward packs in the Super 14 competition in 2009."