Alex Horan, son of Wallabies great Tim, has signed with the UC Vikings for the 2016 Buildcorp NRC season in a bid to further his rugby career.
The young playmaker has moved to Canberra to push his claim for higher honours, following in the footsteps of capped Wallabies Matt Toomua, Christian Lealiifano and schoolboy prodigy Nic Jooste.
The shift suggests he has been earmarked as a potential Super Rugby prospect for the Brumbies, spotted by UC Viking coaches and Brumbies pathway staff but the talented 19-year-old says he’s just focused on the NRC for now.
“I just really want to train hard and do the NRC, and then see where I go from there,” he said.
While he can’t ever escape the reputation that comes with the Horan name, Alex insists he doesn’t feel the pressure stepping onto the field.
“I sort of get a bit of chat thrown at me sometimes, but I just cop it, and take it on the chin,” he said.
UC Vikings rugby director Dan McKellar said the young flyhalf had set himself apart from his father with his own unique playing style.
“Obviously carrying the Horan name into any Rugby match would seem daunting, but he has developed his own style of game which is very different to his dad’s,” he said.
“While his dad was known for his attacking prowess, formidable defence and a love of contact, Alex is a playmaker with strong kicking and running skills and good game awareness.”
Horan will be vying for the number 10 spot against Brumbies young gun Jooste, who had a stellar game in last week’s round, kicking five from eight conversions against Queensland Country, and said he would be happy to bide his time.
“I’m just going to keep chipping away, training hard, and hopefully my time will come,” he said.
Round two of the NRC sees the UC Vikings go up against the NSW Country Eagles at Viking Park, on Sunday at 3pm.
