Wallabies centre Rob Horne may be on the move from the NSW Waratahs after all.
Off-contract at the end of the 2013 Super Rugby season, Horne’s future in NSW colours became a little murkier on Monday when the Waratahs confirmed the signing of Queensland Reds centre Jono Lance for 2014.
Coach Michael Cheika on Saturday said Horne was keen to remain at NSW and the Waratahs were doing everything they could to squeeze the 23-year-old under the salary cap.
But an hour before Cheika trumpeted Lance’s signing as “what we are looking for”, Horne gave an indication he might be forced out.
Even with Wallabies Drew Mitchell and Berrick Barnes heading overseas, the Waratahs are battling for wriggle room under the cap to accommodate everyone on their star-studded roster laced with internationals.
Asked directly on Monday if he wanted to remain at the Tahs, Horne said: “I think there’s a lot going on at the moment and time will tell what happens there.”
When further quizzed and asked if he was considering a move offshore or merely weighing up opportunities with other Australian franchises, Horne said: “Like I said, it’s in process and time will tell.”
Feeling in the best physical shape of his career, Horne is enjoying his first injury-free run since debuting with the Waratahs in 2008 and was outstanding in Saturday night’s 21-15 win over the Stormers.
“Rob wants to stay, I want Rob to stay, so there’s two ticks. We are just getting squeezed by the salary cap everywhere,” Cheika said after the game.
“I’m trying to negotiate the best I can to make sure that Rob stays and I think he sent me a message tonight that I need to keep him, because he played very, very well.”
If he goes, though, Cheika has a ready-made replacement in Lance, a 22-year-old former Australian under-20s and sevens representative who won the Super Rugby title in his debut season with the Reds in 2011.
“Jono brings a dual running and ball distribution game, and he is an excellent defender,” Cheika said.
“He has all the qualities to fit the profile of what we are looking for. Along with that, he has an excellent character and that is a very important feature in our recruitment criteria.”
Born in Canberra, Lance is the son of former Canberra Raiders rugby league captain Dean Lance and has strong family ties to the central coast and Narrabri.
“I’ve got a lot of friends in NSW and I’m excited by the opportunity to be playing there,” he said.
“From Michael and everyone that I’ve spoken to, the players are enjoying everything they are doing down there at the moment and there are exciting times ahead.”
The Waratahs also announced the signing of 23-year-old back-rower Tala Gray from French Top 14 side Biarritz.
