Brumbies cult hero Josh "Bongo" Mann-Rea has re-signed with the Brumbies until the end of 2019.
A late bloomer if there ever was one, the 36-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down this season and has been duly rewarded with a two-year extension.
The two Test hooker made his debut against the Rebels in 2013 and served as a perennial understudy to Stephen Moore.
But Moore's return to Ballymore this year has paved the way for Mann-Rea, who has been one of the first picked in Stephen Larkham's team each week.
“I am pleased to be able to extend my deal with the Brumbies,” Mann-Rea said.
"My time at the club has been memorable and I still feel I have a lot to offer the franchise.
"I felt that I have played some good rugby this season and am looking forward to repeating that next year.
“We have a strong culture at this club and have some exciting young talent coming through.
"I am delighted that I will be able to play my part in helping to mentor the up-and-coming Brumbies.”
Larkham said Mann-Rae was a "stalwart" of the club that would provide invaluable experience for a Brumbies group short on Wallaby stars.
"Josh brings a lot of experience to the squad and is a real leader of the group,” Larkham said.
“He has been a stalwart of the franchise for several years now and has always given a fully committed performance.
"His will and determination are well known and he leads by example from the front.
“Hooker is a tough position to play and Josh’s experience in that role and his desire to keep on getting better and improving year-on-year are admirable qualities and the Brumbies are fortunate to have secured his signature.”
The Brumbies have also named a youthful squad led by Aidan Toua and Jarrad Butler for their tilt at the Mauritius World Club Tens.
The coaching staff have identified several club players from Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra that have been selected to play next weekend, along with a handful of Brumbies U20s players.
SQUAD
Brumbies squad for the Mauritius Tens
Charlie Hancock (Uni-Norths Owls)
Samuel Thomas (Tuggeranong Vikings)
David Bennett (Uni-Norths Owls)
Angus Wagner (Tuggeranong Vikings)
Oscar Cunningham (Gungahlin Eagles)
Brodie Leber (Westerns Districts Lions)
Darcy Swain (Tuggeranong Vikings)
Joshua Fenner (Queanbeyan Whites)
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Sunnybank)
Jackson Duffey (Gungahlin Eagles)
Len Ikitau (Tuggeranong Vikings)
Jamie Kotz (Gungahlin Eagles)
Joshua Turner (Manly)
Ben Johnston (Royals Rugby Club)
Jarrad Butler
Aidan Toua
