Salvi is returning - this from Rugby, rugby
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The Brumbies' life after George Smith appears secure following the re-signing of openside flank Julian Salvi for two seasons from 2011.
Salvi's impending return follows the news this week that young gun Michael Hooper, who will start for the Brumbies against the Chiefs this Friday, has also signed until the end of 2012.
The 24-year-old, who originally joined the Brumbies direct from Marist College in 2004, will return to the ACT having played a season with Bath in the English Premiership.
He has played 16 premiership matches and six Heineken Cup games for Bath and has been one of the club's outstanding players, packing down alongside controversial Springbok Luke Watson.
Prior to his departure, Salvi played 49 Super 14 matches for the Brumbies across the back row, having made his debut against the Chiefs in 2005. He has also represented Australia A, and captained the Australian Under-21 and Schools sides.
Salvi says he's looking forward to returning to Canberra and to the Brumbies.
"I'm very excited about returning to the Brumbies and I am looking forward to the challenges of Super 15 Rugby," he said.
"It will be great to play my 50th Super Rugby game with the Brumbies.
"Playing with Bath has been fantastic; it's been a great experience. It's made me a better player, and further developed my leadership and tactical skills. I'm keen to use those skills with the Brumbies.
"I know the Brumbies' program back-to-front and that will help me to put myself in a strong position for Wallaby selection next year.
"Obviously from a player's perspective it will be different not having George there. He's been a great mentor to me. He is one of the Brumbies greatest players. And, the chance to earn that ‘7' jersey is a very exciting opportunity.
"My wife, my son and my family are still in Canberra. I am looking forward to re engaging with the community and being actively involved in the Brumbies development and promotional activities."
Head coach Andy Friend says Salvi will play a key role in the future of the Brumbies.
"It's never an easy task replacing a player like George Smith but this is a very good start," he said.
"We're all aware of what a quality player Jules is. He's pushed George for a number of years at the Brumbies, he's done his apprenticeship here, he's returning as one of the most respected players in the UK and next year will be his turn to really make his mark.
"He's certainly lived up to his potential during his time in the premiership and he's a very tough and tenacious competitor. While he does give us versatility right across the back row, I've got no doubt he's looking to make that No.7 jersey his own and it's nice to be able to bring a Canberra boy home to the Brumbies to have that opportunity."
Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says he's pleased to see Salvi returning home.
"It's fantastic to see a Canberra born-and-bred player return to his rightful place at the Brumbies," he said. "There was significant interest in Julian both here and abroad, which is a testament to the quality of player he is.
"Now that he is back, it's nice to see Jules role at the Brumbies has now gone full cycle in that previously Julian had George as a mentor and now he can provide some guidance for Michael through the early part of what is shaping as a very promising career."
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The Brumbies' life after George Smith appears secure following the re-signing of openside flank Julian Salvi for two seasons from 2011.
Salvi's impending return follows the news this week that young gun Michael Hooper, who will start for the Brumbies against the Chiefs this Friday, has also signed until the end of 2012.
The 24-year-old, who originally joined the Brumbies direct from Marist College in 2004, will return to the ACT having played a season with Bath in the English Premiership.
He has played 16 premiership matches and six Heineken Cup games for Bath and has been one of the club's outstanding players, packing down alongside controversial Springbok Luke Watson.
Prior to his departure, Salvi played 49 Super 14 matches for the Brumbies across the back row, having made his debut against the Chiefs in 2005. He has also represented Australia A, and captained the Australian Under-21 and Schools sides.
Salvi says he's looking forward to returning to Canberra and to the Brumbies.
"I'm very excited about returning to the Brumbies and I am looking forward to the challenges of Super 15 Rugby," he said.
"It will be great to play my 50th Super Rugby game with the Brumbies.
"Playing with Bath has been fantastic; it's been a great experience. It's made me a better player, and further developed my leadership and tactical skills. I'm keen to use those skills with the Brumbies.
"I know the Brumbies' program back-to-front and that will help me to put myself in a strong position for Wallaby selection next year.
"Obviously from a player's perspective it will be different not having George there. He's been a great mentor to me. He is one of the Brumbies greatest players. And, the chance to earn that ‘7' jersey is a very exciting opportunity.
"My wife, my son and my family are still in Canberra. I am looking forward to re engaging with the community and being actively involved in the Brumbies development and promotional activities."
Head coach Andy Friend says Salvi will play a key role in the future of the Brumbies.
"It's never an easy task replacing a player like George Smith but this is a very good start," he said.
"We're all aware of what a quality player Jules is. He's pushed George for a number of years at the Brumbies, he's done his apprenticeship here, he's returning as one of the most respected players in the UK and next year will be his turn to really make his mark.
"He's certainly lived up to his potential during his time in the premiership and he's a very tough and tenacious competitor. While he does give us versatility right across the back row, I've got no doubt he's looking to make that No.7 jersey his own and it's nice to be able to bring a Canberra boy home to the Brumbies to have that opportunity."
Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says he's pleased to see Salvi returning home.
"It's fantastic to see a Canberra born-and-bred player return to his rightful place at the Brumbies," he said. "There was significant interest in Julian both here and abroad, which is a testament to the quality of player he is.
"Now that he is back, it's nice to see Jules role at the Brumbies has now gone full cycle in that previously Julian had George as a mentor and now he can provide some guidance for Michael through the early part of what is shaping as a very promising career."
