The Brumbies have filled their vacant scrumhalf spot, signing Sydney Rays number nine Dewet Roos.
Coach Stephen Larkham hinted on Monday that an announcement was imminent, with the club confirming the addition of the 26-year-old just hours later.
South-African born Roos joins 2016 bolter Joe Powell and youngster Ryan Lonergan as the team’s nines for the early part of the year, with Argentinian Tomas Cubelli injured.
The Rays halfback has lined up against the Brumbies before, named in the Australian Barbarians side to take on the Canberra franchise earlier this month.
Larkham said Roos would provide valuable competition to the nine ranks.
“We have been looking at our options in the number nine position since it was confirmed that we would lose Tomas for an extended period of time,” he said.
“The signing of Dewet will provide additional competition at scrum half.
“With two young players in Joe Powell and Ryan Lonergan in that area we felt the need to bring in a more mature option, an older head who can provide some game experience and help the progression of our young talent.”
Roos said he was excited to link up with the franchise.
“I am delighted to be joining the Brumbies and look forward to helping the team achieve their goals in 2017,” Roos said.
“It is fantastic to get a chance to be a part of such a well-renowned organisation.
“The Brumbies have a reputation and culture in the rugby community that is second to none and I am excited by the prospect of being able to play my part in the Super Rugby season.” - Dewet Roos
Larkham said Cubelli would be aiming to return to the Pumas setup for the June Test window, before hopefully resuming his Brumbies duties in the back end of the Super Rugby season.
The Brumbies face another blow on the injury front, with Scott Sio ‘highly unlikely’ to line up with the team in Friday night’s clash with the Crusaders.
“Highly unlikely that he'll be right for this first round but he's tracking nicely so we'll make a bit of a decision on that this afternoon,” he said.
