Brumbies sign Reds' wing
October 30, 2001

Promising Queensland winger Scott Barton will play for the ACT Brumbies next season after not being offered a contract by the Reds.

The arrival of former rugby league star Wendell Sailor is believed to have left little room in the Reds' 2002 plans for the 23-year-old.

The Australian Sevens representative played for the Reds against the ACT last season and scored their only try in the 23-16 Ballymore victory. Barton (pictured) also toured South America last year with the Queensland development squad.

The Reds have an abundance of wing riches in Sailor, Wallaby Ben Tune, Ricky Nalatu and veteran Damian Smith.

But new Brumbies coach David Nucifora said Barton would be a big asset for the Brumbies.

"He is a player with a lot of raw athletic potential," Nucifora said of the former Rockhampton player.

"We were chasing a person who could put pressure on the starting guys and we believe Scott has the ability to play Super 12 in the coming seasons."

Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Steve Thornton said the Reds "wished Scott well".

Thornton said the Reds were not overly concerned about losing an up and coming player such as Barton to the Brumbies.

"The vast majority of Brumbies players come from Sydney and Brisbane," he said. "I'd be concerned if players weren't being sought."

The Reds start selling season tickets for the 2002 campaign next week with high expectations of big crowds thanks to the signing of Sailor.

Queensland's opening Super 12 game is against the Brumbies in Canberra.

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