Super Rugby
Brumbies finalise deal with Pumas scrum-half Tomas Cubelli
ESPN Staff
November 13, 2015
© Stu Forster/Getty Images

Argentina scrum-half Tomas Cubelli has signed a two-year contract with the Canberra-based Brumbies Super Rugby franchise.

Cubelli has played 45 Tests for the Pumas, most recently the Rugby World Cup Bronze final against South Africa in London, and he rejected an option to join Argentina's new Super Rugby franchise that will boast 21 of the Rugby World Cup semifinal squad that faced the Wallabies in order to play with the Brumbies.

"We are extremely fortunate to have secured Tomas for the next two seasons," Brumbies chief executive Michael Jones said. "We started our discussions with Tomas and the Argentine national body early in the year and whilst it has been a very long process we feel our perseverance has well and truly paid off.

"The Argentine Rugby Union [UAR] have been fantastic throughout the entire period. Obviously Tomas is a very valuable property for them but they have taken a very mature and strategic view that, as one of their key players for the future, he would really benefit from being part of the renowned Brumbies program and playing alongside so many Wallabies and under Wallaby attack coach Stephen Larkham.

"The UAR fully support the development of their elite players and we have seen that their efforts over the past few years are really bearing dividends with a great RWC campaign. Securing Tomas for the Brumbies is just an extension of this development commitment.

"One of the UAR concerns was whether Tomas would be available for Los Pumas Test matches, and we have assured them that we are keen for him to continue his international career and to play at the top level."

Jones described Cubelli as "a fantastic reader of the game ... a great attacking scrum-half and very physical, he has a great pass and solid kicking game which will really suit our style of play".

"I really think playing under Stephen Larkham and alongside world-class players such as Christian Leali'ifano and Matt Toomua, Tomas will really come into his own."

Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham said that Cubelli had "the necessary skills and knowledge of the game to successfully fit into our structure, and be a game-breaker in Super Rugby", while a UAR Spokesperson said "linking with Stephen Larkham and the Brumbies world-class program will allow Tomas to develop his skills in the world's hardest club competition".

Cubelli will fly to Australia in the coming weeks to link with the Brumbies for their preseason program.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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