Brumbies in Rathbone coup
October 15, 2002

The ACT Brumbies have signed Springboks Under 21 captain and centre Clyde Rathbone for the next two seasons.
The 21-year-old, who led the Baby Boks to the World Cup title earlier in 2002, turned his back on an offer from the Sharks in his homeland South Africa to take up the deal with the 2001 Super 12 champion Brumbies.

Rathbone met with both players and officials from the ACT in September before deciding to make the move, and coach David Nucifora said he was delighted when the signed contract arrived at the club on Tuesday morning.

Nucifora rates Rathbone highly both as a player and as a person, and not only expects him to make an impact in the nation's capital, but also believes the youngster would have thought long and hard before making his final decision.

"I was very pleased to see the signed contract arrive early this morning," Nucifora said.

"I believe Clyde has the qualities both as a person and as a footballer to make a substantial contribution to the team's future. He's an impressive and thoughtful young man and I'm sure he considered all his options before making his decision."

"After many weeks of deliberation I have decided to take up the offer of a two year employment contract with the Brumbies. It was the toughest decision of my life, but they have made me a fantastic offer," added Rathbone.

Rathbone has an Australian grandparent and so could choose to play for the Wallabies. But it is unconfirmed whether the Australian Rugby Union have made a contact offer.

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