BREAKING free from the record cold in the northern hemisphere, accomplished English playmaker James Curgenven is about to head to Wagga play in the Southern Inland Rugby Union premiership.
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Coming with a first-rate rugby union resume, the 29-year-old five-eighth will soon become Wagga City's most prized recruit in years.
Curgenven has played top-flight rugby for a decade and is tipped to be a football sensation in the SIRU competition.
Wagga City official Adrian Quilty yesterday delivered the thrilling news of Curgenven's imminent arrival in Wagga to give the Boiled a Lollies a massive lift for the 2014 season.
Declaring Curgenven the start of an impressive surge of recruits for the Wagga club,. Quilty said expectations were high for the team.
"We had our first training session last night (Tuesday) and we very pleased with the numbers," Quilty said.
"Everything seems to be coming together really well for the new season."
Quilty yesterday revealed Curgenven was set to be among a "couple" of prime recruits for Wagga City.
"They should be rolling in," he said.
"James is due here in March."
The recruitment of Curgenven, who has played for several notable UK rugby clubs, comes as a bonus for incoming coach Michael Kanck.
Named to replace Mick Small in the Wagga City post, Kanck steps in to try to take the Boiled Lollies to another level in the SIRU premiership.
Last year Wagga City finished fourth on the Premier Division table and dipped out of the finals when beaten 39-24 by Waratahs in the opening week.
Moving on after two years as coach, Small is now expected to be endorsed as new Wagga City president, taking command from Jarrod Bryant.
In an era of change off the field at Wagga City, the club will also have a fresh look on the paddock.
At a time when Curgenven and other key players are ready to move in, the Boiled Lollies have farewelled the audaciously talented Lagaali brothers.
Significantly, Jason Lagaali has signed with Group Nine club Tumbarumba, while sibling Gordon may also switch codes to link with Southcity.
Staying in rugby union, however, Jason and Gordon's younger brother Eddie has moved to Canberra to play for Royals club.
Wagga City will train again at Conolly Rugby Complex from 6.30pm today.
SIRU premiership draw
Round 1 - April 5
CSU v Wagga City
Waratahs v Albury
Temora v Young
Griffith v Tumut
Leeton v Ag College
Deniliquin v Cootamundra (2nd grade only)
