Peter Kimlin

Although he starts 2009 officially listed as uncapped, PETER KIMLIN gained a taste of what it means to wear the Qantas Wallabies jersey when he appeared as a substitute late in Australia’s Spring Tour-ending 18-11 win over a star-studded Barbarians outfit at Wembley in December. The appearance completed a whirlwind two months for the Canberra 23-year-old, who had earned a late call up to the touring party as replacement for the injured James Horwill. While the timing of his international ‘arrival’ was dictated by the misfortune of another, the fact that the abrasive red head has ‘made it’ surprised few who have monitored his career progress closely. An Australian representative at age-group level, Kimlin is a product of the Canberra development system, having schooled locally.

He was signed by the Brumbies Academy in 2007, earning his first caps during the pre-season trials, before then being called on during the season proper, where he made his debut against the Stormers of South Africa. After a strong showing for the Canberra Vikings in the Australian Rugby Championship, Kimlin cemented a regular place in the Brumbies scrum last year. While he only started in one match, against the Cheetahs, Kimlin appeared in all 13 games and capped off a profitable season when he earned selection for Australia A. Although he has experience in the back row, Kimlin didn’t look out of place matching up against international quality opposition during the Pacific Nations Cup. His form for Australia A made Kimlin the logical next choice for the Spring Tour once Horwill was ruled out.

2003   Makes the Australia A Schools side while playing for Canberra Grammar School, ACT.

2004   Takes the next step, being selected in the Australia Under-19 team that attends the IRB Under-19 World Cup.

2007   Is included in the Brumbies Academy, being called on to make his Investec Super 14 debut against the Stormers. Kimlin finished his maiden Brumbies season with three caps. He then featured in every match for the Canberra Vikings in the Australian Rugby Championship.

2008   Continued his progression as a Super rugby player, featuring in every match for the Brumbies through the Investec Super 14. Was rewarded for that performance with selection for Australia A, where he was one of the team’s stand out performers throughout the Pacific Nations Cup. Called up as a late addition to the Qantas Wallabies Spring Tour squad, making a brief appearance as a replacement during the win over the Barbarians.