Arno Poley

Arno Pieter Poley (born (1991-03-14)14 March 1991 in Barberton, South Africa) is a South African rugby union player, currently playing with the Falcons.^[1] His regularly plays as a fullback or a winger.

Career

Youth

Poley's first inclusion in a provincial side was when he was selected in the Falcons (South) squad for the 2008 Under-18 Academy Week. He was a member of the Falcons U19 side that played in the 2010 Under-19 Provincial Championship where he ended the season as the top scorer for the side, scoring one try and kicking thirteen conversions and seven penalties.^[2] He was also a member of the Falcons U21 sides that played in the Under-21 Provincial Championships in 2011 and 2012.

Falcons

Despite still being involved at Under-21 level until 2012, he played first class rugby for the Falcons since 2011. He started in their opening match of the 2011 Vodacom Cup season against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein to make his first class debut.^[3] It took him just over 20 minutes to appear on the scoresheet for the first time, scoring the Falcons' first try in a 55–19 defeat. He started six of the Falcons' eight matches during that competition and made one substitute appearance. He scored another try in his third match (against the Sharks XV in Margate)^[4] and also scored one penalty during the campaign.

Poley's Currie Cup debut also came during 2011. He was selected to start their first match of the competition, a 38–27 victory over the Griffons,^[5] making a total of eight appearances.

He remained a first team regular over the next few seasons, representing them in the Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup competitions.

References