Bath flanker Julian Salvi has confirmed that he will rejoin the Brumbies at the end of the Guinness Premiership campaign.
Bath flanker to head home
Bath flanker Julian Salvi has confirmed that he will rejoin the Brumbies at the end of the Guinness Premiership campaign.
Salvi played 49 Super Rugby games before moving to The Rec, but he is set to reach the half-century milestone after agreeing to return to Canberra.
"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.
Exciting
"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."
With George Smith set to retire at the end of the season, Brumbies coach Andy Friend sees Salvi as the ideal replacement.
"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 '7' jersey his own and it's nice to be able to bring a Canberra boy home to the Brumbies to have that opportunity."
