The ACT Brumbies could welcome back damaging back-rower Rob Valetini as early as next week for their grudge match with the NSW Waratahs.
Valetini has not featured in 2025 yet after a pre-season hamstring injury kept him on the sidelines.
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The 26-year-old is considered one of the best back-rowers in the world after becoming the third player to win back-to-back John Eales Medals in 2023 and 2024.
Valetini's impending return is a welcome boost for a Brumbies team riding high after last week's win over the Blues, their first at Eden Park in 12 years.
“‘Bobby’ had a really good week last week, and his top speed was where it needed to be,” coach Larkham said.
“He’s fully trained with us this week on Monday and Wednesday, and he is on track for a return to play pretty soon.
“There was no chance this week but hopefully next week. He’s in the late stage of rehab and we have to make sure he gets through this week before we can make an assessment.”
Larkham has named flyhalf Noah Lolesio to return this weekend against the Fijian Drua after his battles with concussion.
“We had a chance to bring him back in last week for the Blues game but we wanted to give him extra rest and make sure his head was 100%,” he notes.
“It’s really good having him back in. He came out of the tour with the Wallabies with a lot of confidence and started the season with that confidence.
“It’s really good having him back in and has that voice out on the field that can control his skill set. I’m looking forward to seeing you out there.”
With the Wallabies stars returning, Larkham believes wins like last week’s thriller gives the squad confidence they can beat anyone regardless of the circumstances.
“If you look at the first round game, we didn’t take our Wallabies over there and Noah was the only Wallaby we took over there and the boys performed exceptionally,” he explained.
“The boys have had a really good pre-season in that 12 weeks leading into the pre-season. They’re all still prepped and primed, ready to play.
“It’s a bonus to have Noah back but we have confidence in anyone that goes out on the field at the moment.”
