Early spring cleaning for the Brumbies

 

It appears the Brumbies have wasted no time in looking toward 2010 with the news that Clyde Rathbone has been released from the franchise. Effectively this is a decision that will more than likely end the 28 year-old’s Super rugby career.

It’s sad, as we never quite got to see the best of a player that had plenty of talent and courage.

In a statement, Brumbies coach, Andy Friend, said.

“We had a meeting with Clyde yesterday and just informed him that there wouldn’t be a contract offer for him next year,” he said.

“He was very professional about the whole thing and he’s looking forward to life without the Brumbies next year.”

Rathbone was made public enemy number one in South Efrica with his decision to move from Natal to the Brumbies in 2003 after captaining the Sth Efrican under 21 team to victory in the 2002 World Cup.

After making his debut for the Wallabies in 2004 against Scotland, Rathbone went on the next week to score an outstanding hat-trick of tries against the Poms in Brisbane after being called in as a late replacement for Wendell “White-line fever” Sailor.

Things got better for Rathbone a few weeks later when he sunk the Bokkies in Perth with a great try on the siren during the 2004 Tri-nations tournament.

That was about as good as it got for Rathbone who then endured a stop start career due to on-going long term injuries.

Rathbone played 52 Super rugby games and 26 Tests for the Wallabies…good luck for the future Clyde!