Super Rugby
Larkham rules out playing return
ESPN Staff
May 12, 2012
The Brumbies' attack coach Stephen Larkham, Brumbies training session, Northwood School, Durban, South Africa, May 3, 2012
Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham insists he will not be lacing up his boots again © Getty Images
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Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham has revealed that he will not be making a sensational return to action as a result of the Brumbies' injury crisis.

Brumbies coach Jake White raised the possibility of his backs coach coming out of retirement earlier this week to help fill the void left by long-term injuries to playmakers Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano but the 37-year-old Larkham insists that will not happen with former Waratahs fly-half Peter Hewat set to join the side on a short-term basis.

Larkham, who helped the Wallabies to a Rugby World Cup triumph in 1999 and retired from Super Rugby in 2007, told the Canberra Times: ''I think as a past player you always think about getting out there again. 'You love the game and do miss that aspect, but it's about being realistic and doing what's best for the team.

''I'm sure every player would love one more crack but we've got guys who are fit and training well. 'For me, my job is to get these guys better and I feel they've made a lot of progress this year.

''No [I didn't contemplate it] … it would be selfish, I might understand all the plays but actually getting out there and getting through two training sessions in a row would be difficult, I'm not conditioned.''

Hewat will join the squad as a utility capable of playing wing, fullback or fly-half and will join Robbie Coleman and Zack Holmes as candidates to fill the No.10 jersey. Hewat scored 365 points in his 27 Super Rugby games between 2005-2007 and links up with the side having been granted a release from his contract at Suntory in Japan where former Brumbies boss Eddie Jones is director of rugby.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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