Shock return for Harrison

Disgraced lock joins the Brumbies

By Ally Fisher   Last updated: 30th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Shock return for Harrison

Harrison: Joining Brumbies

I've made mistakes during my career but the next 12 months is a chance for me to rectify my professional reputation and put back into the game I've had a love affair with for the past 16 years.

Justin Harrison
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Former Australia lock Justin Harrison is set for a surprise return to rugby for ACT Brumbies next year.

The 35-year-old is currently serving an eight-month drugs ban after admitting to taking cocaine while at Bath last season.

Harrison is available to play again from January 13 next year, with officials from Brumbies saying they have signed the Wallaby for the 2010 Super 14 season as cover for injured Peter Kimlin.

The second-rower, who won 35 caps for his country, has already begun training with the Brumbies for whom he has played 69 times for, including the victorious 2001 Super 12 final.

In a statement Harrison said: "I've made mistakes during my career but the next 12 months is a chance for me to rectify my professional reputation and put back into the game I've had a love affair with for the past 16 years.

Mentor

"I appreciate what a great opportunity this is to not only play where I started my professional career but also to contribute to the players around me, the culture of the club and the Canberra community."

The lineout specialist last played for the Brumbies six years ago. He has since gone on to appear for NSW Waratahs (2004-2005) Ulster (2005-2008) and more recently Bath.

Andy Friend, the Brumbies coach, believes the experience of Harrison will be invaluable in his second stint with the franchise.

"He's arguably the best lineout technician in the game. He's a very smart footballer, who will be a good mentor for a number of our younger players," Friend said.

Comments (1)

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Adam Irvine says...

Why not give him another chance? He is only human and we all make mistakes. No what he did shouldn't be condoned and no, he wasn't being a good role model but shouldn't we all have the right to rectify our mistakes? Good luck to him I say.

Posted 10:28 1st December 2009
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