Stephen Hoiles has proved a popular addition to the Waratahs squad © Getty Images

Enlarge

Former Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles left that team with "a bitter taste" in his mouth, his emotions soured by a long-term Achilles injury, lack of success for the Brumbies, and a number of coaching changes.

Cut by the Brumbies after being dogged by his Achilles injury, he's now enjoying the sweet taste of success with New South Wales Waratahs and will line up against his former team in the Super Rugby semi-final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.

Hoiles spent five years with the Canberra-based team after starting his Super Rugby career with NSW, assuming the team captaincy and making the majority of his 16 Test appearances while in the national capital.

"The years of being a captain were a challenge," Hoiles said. "There was obviously the issues with the coaches at the time, and a lot was made of that.

"I left with a bitter taste in my mouth. It didn't end how I wanted it to. The decision for them to get rid of me was justified, though. I wasn't able to play for another two years, post that, so I was never disappointed at the decision to leave. In hindsight, the injury was just a tough one to get over.

"One of the main reasons why I wanted to keep playing was that I didn't want to have my footy career finish how it finished down there - sitting on the sidelines, watching the team struggling and coaches moving on, and getting sacked.

"I wanted to finish with some positive memories and, since coming up here, I've had the time of my life." Given a chance by Waratahs coach Michael Cheika at the start of the year, Hoiles worked his way into the squad and was used off the bench for most of the season. But the knee injury to captain and fellow back-rower Dave Dennis opened the way for a starting spot. And now he looks set to stay with the Waratahs next year.

"Nothing's finalised yet, so we'll get these next couple of games hopefully out of the way," Hoiles said. "I still feel like I've got a couple of years to go. The skinny old legs have a little bit left."