SIRU
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TEENAGE Scotsman Calum McCaffery is the hulking forward tipped to give Young a boost up the Southern Inland Rugby Union ladder next season.
The 18-year-old lock casts an intimidating shadow, standing at 191 centimetres and tipping the scales at 110 kilograms.
Having arrived in the country from western Scotland in August, McCaffery is quickly settling into life in Young and insists he already feels a part of the team.
"As much as it is a great opportunity to travel and see Australia, I am really looking forward to testing my ability in the Southern Inland Rugby zone as well helping the Yabbies win next year and getting to know the local people," he said.
"The welcome I've received so far from the club has been overwhelming."
McCaffery joins Yabbies in the midst of an intense rebuilding period after failing to win a single game last season.
With a new committee and refreshing approach to recruitment, Yabbies are emerging as the self-starters of the SIRU off-season with nowhere to go but up.
Although McCaffery was targeted for his youthful and competitive edge, his recruitment signals an intent to cast a wide net in attracting numbers to the club next season.
An online recruitment policy has given Yabbies success in the past, and recruitment manager Mick Hudson believes McCaffery's signature will be no different.
"The club's success in attracting players from overseas really shows how much of an international game rugby union is," he said.
"But most of all, it presents a great opportunity for locals to share the rugby experience with newcomers and make contacts for their own travels."
McCaffery began playing union two years ago after converting from soccer, but was immediately hooked by the physicality of the game.
His size and love of defence is expected to reignite the power Yabbies were lacking last season, while the addition of Orisi Loco to the backline will add some strike power.
While Yabbies are hot on a recruitment drive, last season's coach Luke Eldridge is yet to confirm his intentions for next season although it's believed he will step down from the role.