Samoan international Rodney Iona will re-join the Brumbies for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, nearly eight years after making his debut.
Iona was called into the training squad in 2020, plying his trade in the John I Dent Cup for Tuggeranong Vikings.
The 30-year-old, who helped guide Samoa to qualification for the 2023 World Cup, was delighted to return to the club in a full-time role where he made his Super Rugby debut in 2014 against the Waratahs.
"Pretty honoured to be wearing the Brumbies colours again. Last year, I came in as injury cover but there's a young talent going around the Brumbies so I'm looking forward to the pre-season and a new Super Rugby Pacific," he told reporters on Wednesday.
"From when I was back here in 2015, there's a lot of young talent so it has been really good to rub shoulders with them.
"I'm very grateful to be back in the colours doing what I love for the Brumbies."
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This was shared by Dan McKellar, who was hopeful his experience playing across the globe could help the development of their youthful backline.
“It’s fair to say everyone at the Brumbies is thrilled to see Rod back at the club for this season," McKellar added.
“At the start of last preseason, I felt our young guys needed an experienced voice around them and Rod was available during that period but the way things happened, he stayed with us throughout the year, trained really well and made a positive contribution to the group.
“Rod’s an infectious character, someone who is always lifting spirits and putting arms around the shoulders of guys who need it, and that’s something that has real value for us.
“He’s an experienced player, knows our game from his time with us this year, he's been in great form for Vikings and was excellent for Samoa in their recent games so bringing him into the squad officially for the upcoming season will be great for us.“
