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The CA Brumbies have agreed to terms with lock Justin Harrison in a move that will see him return to the ACT-based province for the 2010 Investec Bank Super 14 season.
The 35-year-old returned to the CA Brumbies training this morning after a six-year absence that saw him represent the Waratahs (2004-2005) and Ulster (2005-2008) where he captained the Irish club to a Magners League title 2006. He spent the 2008/2009 European season representing Bath where he started in 29 of 31 matches for the English club.
The lineout specialist was a foundation member of the CA Brumbies’ inaugural squad in 1996 and made his Super 12 debut in 1997. He played 69 matches for the ACT side, including a starting berth during the victorious 2001 Super 12 final.
He returns to the CA Brumbies as coverage for Peter Kimlin, whose availability for the 2010 season is uncertain after suffering nerve damage in his right shoulder.
Harrison, who is currently serving an eight-month suspension for actions “prejudicial to the interests of the Game”, will be available for play for the CA Brumbies from 13 January, 2010.
Harrison says he’s proud to return to Canberra and the CA Brumbies.
“After finishing up with Bath, I sat down and ranked the countries and clubs I wanted to play with,” he said. “I listed the Brumbies at number one even though it was an unlikely scenario at the time.
“Now that I’m here I couldn’t be happier. It’s an environment I know very well and is backed up by quality coaching staff and administration. I loved being a part of this community and I know that this is the best place in the world for me to be playing my rugby.
“I’m a very passionate rugby player and a competitive person. I’ve always wanted to participate at the highest level available to me and I’ve always relished making myself accessible to supporters and fans as someone who’s in a very privileged position.
“I’ve made mistakes during my career but the next 12 months is a chance for me to rectify my professional reputation and put back into the game I’ve had a love affair with for the past 16 years.
“I appreciate what a great opportunity this is to not only play where I started my professional career but also to contribute to the players around me, the culture of the club and the Canberra community.”
CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend, whose association with Harrison began in 1994 at the Australian Institute of Sport, says the veteran lock brings a wealth of experience with him.
“Justin’s made it very clear that he’s 100 per cent about winning rugby matches and contributing to the side to help us do that,” he said. “He’s been one of the most consistent forwards in the UK over the past four seasons where tight five forwards lead the way in their physicality. He’s an old school lock who’ll bring a lot of presence and intelligence to our pack in 2010.
“The decision to recruit Justin was a football decision and one I knew was the right thing for the Brumbies. He’s arguably the best lineout technician in the game. He’s a very smart footballer, who will be a good mentor for a number of our younger players. He’s keen to contribute to the culture of a club he’s still very passionate about and I’m excited about what he’ll add to our squad.”
Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says the recruitment of Harrison is a positive move for the CA Brumbies.
“Justin’s always been one of the great characters of world rugby,” he said. “The Brumbies know him better than anyone else – he spent eight years here, he was always 100 per cent committed to the side and the good of the organisation, and to this day he remains one the club’s favourite sons.
“His mistakes over time have been well-documented but he’s always faced up to them, taken responsibility for them and accepted the consequences. Our conversations with him have been extremely positive and we’re confident he’ll make a positive contribution, not only to the on-field success of the side, but to the culture of the Brumbies and the broader community as well.”
Justin Harrison
Position: Lock
Physical: 2.01m, 113kg
Age: 20.04.1974, Sydney
Super 14 Caps: 90 (CA Brumbies 69, Waratahs 21)
Super 14 Points: 5 (1t)
Super 14 Debut: 1997 v Reds, Brisbane
Test Caps: 34
Test Points: 5 (1t)
Test Debut: 2001 v British & Irish Lions, Sydney
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Originally Posted by pieter blackie
