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Evan Olmstead will be packing his bags and heading south once his June test commitments are over. The big Canadian lock has signed with New Zealand province Auckland for the upcoming Mitre 10 Cup provincial competition. He departs Newcastle Falcons after two seasons with the English Premiership Semi Finalists.
It’s been a frustrating season for Olmstead with Falcons. Despite playing well at every opportunity, both at lock and on the blindside flank, he was left out of the European Trophy squad and virtually ignored in the first half of the season with English-qualified alternatives preferred. His performances since February saw him named to several weekly selections and left many to wonder why he had been left out earlier.
After considering other options the 27-year-old will return to the Southern Hemisphere where the up-tempo style should have him in peak physical shape in time for the all-important World Cup Qualifiers. Olmstead will also get a rare opportunity to work with 2011 World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry who has been appointed to a senior mentoring position. Two former All Blacks are also on staff with Alama Ieremia named Head Coach, and Filo Tiatia has been recruited as Forwards Coach.
Born in Canada but raised in Australia, Olmstead played for Parramatta Two Blues in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition before signing with London Scottish following the 2016 World Cup. He then joined Newcastle ahead of the 2016-17 season.
While a Super Rugby deal with the Blues is not part of the contract, it remains a possibility should Olmstead impress. Fellow Canadian international Tyler Ardron is currently playing with the Chiefs. Auckland are in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership, the top division of the competition. The first games begin on August 16 with the final set for October 27.
