Thursday, September 2, 2010

Former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison will look to rebuild his tarnished reputation next year for ACT Brumbies.

Harrison, who is currently serving a drugs ban after admitting to cocaine use while playing for English club Bath during the 2008-09 season, is set to rejoin the Brumbies for the 2010 Super 14 season.

“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,” said Harrison, who is banned from rugby until January 13 next year.

“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,” added the 35-year-old lineout specialist, who was a founding member of the Brumbies’ inaugural squad in 1996 and played 69 matches for the ACT side, including the victorious 2001 Super 12 final.

The Brumbies signed Harrison, a former NSW Waratahs and Ulster player, as cover for regular lock Peter Kimlin. The second-row forward’s availability for next season is uncertain after he suffered shoulder nerve damage.

Brumbies coach Andy Friend said the 35-capped Wallaby brought a wealth of experience in his second stint with the province.

“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,” Friend said.

Next summer’s Test match between France and South Africa in Cape Town is set to be kicked right out of the park  - by the football World Cup.

The match, initially scheduled for June 12 as part of Les Bleus’ tour, has been forced out of South Africa by the tournament, which starts on June 11, and will now be played somewhere in Europe with, ironically, London’s Wembley Stadium, the ‘home’ of football, one possible venue.

The French, on what would be a warm-up tour for the 2011 World Cup, are set to face the Springboks, then a South African A team on June 17 or 18 before closing the tour against Argentina in Buenos Aires the following week.