As the Saturday night showdown looms at GIO Stadium against the ACT Brumbies, Lachlan Swinton prepares to mark his 50th game milestone for the Waratahs.
And the NSW backrower is looking forward to the local derby.
“There are some pretty exciting match-ups individually against the Brumbies and it’s always a good contest between us two,” Swinton said.
Swinton grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and is a testament to the NSW Waratahs grassroots pathways system, playing schoolboy rugby at Knox Grammar School followed by first grade Shute Shield for Sydney University.
In 2018 he joined the Waratahs Top Squad and went on to debut for the Wallabies in 2020.
The significance of this milestone is not lost on Swinton having “grown up in this club”.
Swinton serves as an inspiration to the many grassroots players across New South Wales, embodying the dreams and aspirations of those who lace up their boots on local fields every weekend.
Swinton reflected on the “grind it has been” to achieve this half century milestone with multiple setbacks along the road, including having an unfortunate run with injuries in the 2022 season, punctuated by a lengthy setback after sustaining nerve damage to his shoulder. This injury alone resulted in an 11-month grueling recovery period where Swinton had to demonstrate his determination and perseverance to return to the Waratahs.
Swinton's upcoming 50th game holds significant personal meaning for him, viewing it as a culmination of his dedication and commitment to rugby. Anticipating this milestone, Swinton has expressed his excitement to "tick that off" and “join some impressive and good lads who have done the same thing” while representing the Waratahs.
He recognises the opportunity to add to the club's rich history and honour those who have worn the jersey before him. With each game, Swinton adds to his legacy and continues the tradition of excellence associated with the Waratahs.
Commenting on his personal performance in the 2024 Super Rugby Season, Swinton explained that “it’s been a good learning curve for me, coming off the bench there and covering a few positions I don’t usually do, it’s been exciting, which has allowed me to grow my game.”
After four extremely tight fixtures Swinton explained that the playing group still possesses plenty of optimism despite results not going their way.
“When we have been in this position previously, we have shown up and turned it around, so it is all ahead of us.”
As he looks ahead to the upcoming clash against the Brumbies, Swinton remains focused on the challenges ahead, both individually and as part of the team, emphasising the importance of self-improvement and executing the team’s game plan effectively.
Match Details:
Super Rugby Pacific - Round 7: NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies.
Saturday April 6 at GIO Stadium.
Kick-off 7:35pm AEDT.
The match will be broadcast live and ad-free and Stan Sport.
Article by Dan Slade.
