The Brumbies have finalised their squad and commenced pre-season training for their 2013 campaign.
The squad has a distinct South African influence with the inclusion of new members with South African background, plus the return from injury of former player Clyde Rathbone.
Coach Jake White spent his off-season scouring the playing ranks and has signed up some big units in the quest to return to finals rugby.
In the forwards, the big signing during the off-season is Wallabies flanker David Pocock, who will fill the shoes of Michael Hooper who has returned to his hometown of Sydney to play with the Waratahs.
Other inclusions sees the arrival of Etienne Oosthuizen from the Lions in South Africa who can play either lock or flanker, and at just 19 years of age tips the scales at 120 kilograms and stands 198 centimetres.
Joining the front row stocks is Ruan Smith who has been plying his trade most recently at the Western Force after stints in the academy set-ups at the Stormers and Reds.
In the EPS there are two forwards members in Josh Mann-Rea and Jordan Smiler. Mann-Rea returned to Australia last year to take up a short-term contract with the Waratahs after injuries depleted their hooking stocks.
Smiler came from the Waikato region of New Zealand before switching his allegiance to Australia. He has a sevens background but can play flanker and has been playing for Norths in the Shute Shield. (Maybe Steve Hansen will be ruing this one getting away from the New Zealand system, too.)
In the backs, the fairytale return of Clyde Rathbone is nearly complete, with his battle with injury and other personal issues being well documented. His work with White and Under 21 level in South Africa will benefit not only him but the squad as a whole and will add some experience to the side.
The EPS backs consist of Mark Swanepoel and Stephen van der Walt. Swanepoel, a halfback, has been something of a journeyman with his recent stint with Canterbury in New Zealand after previously playing with the Western Force. Van der Walt has been signed from University of Queensland and can play either centre or wing.
Ins: David Pocock (Western Force), Clyde Rathbone (returning from injury), Ruan Smith (Western Force), Etienne Oosthuizen (Lions, South Africa), Josh Mann-Rea (Waratahs), Jordan Smiler (Norths, Sydney), Mark Swanepoel (Canterbury, NZ), Stephan van der Walt (Uni of Qld)
Outs: Michael Hooper (Waratahs), Cam Crawford (Waratahs), Ben Hand (Grenoble, France), Anthony Hegarty (Grenoble, France), Jerry Yanuyanutawa (London Irish), Kimami Sitauti (Melbourne Rebels), Dylan Sigg (Released)
Full squad
Ben Alexander
Fotu Auelua
Sam Carter
Robbie Coleman
Tom Cox
Colby Faingaa
Scott Fardy (promoted from EPS)
Zack Holmes
Tevita Kuridrani
Peter Kimlin
Christian Lealiifano
Pat McCabe
Jesse Mogg (promoted from EPS)
Stephen Moore
Ben Mowen
Ruaidhri Murphy (promoted from EPS)
Etienne Oosthuizen
Dan Palmer
David Pocock
Leon Power
Ian Prior
Clyde Rathbone
Siliva Siliva
Scott Sio (promoted from EPS)
Andrew Smith
Henry Speight
Joe Tomane
Matt Toomua
Ita Vaea
Nic White
EPS
Josh Mann-Rea
Jordan Smiler
Ruan Smith
Mark Swanepoel
Stephan van der Walt
