Julian Salvi will leave Bath to return to the Brumbies © Getty Images

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The Brumbies have continued their preparations for life without George Smith by re-signing Julian Salvi from Guinness Premiership side Bath.

Salvi, 24, left Canberra for England prior to the start of the current season but will return to compete with teenager Michael Hooper for the soon-to-be-vacant Brumbies No.7 jersey. Smith will leave at the end of the season, having already announced his Test retirement, and Salvi is keen to add to his 49 Super caps.

"I'm very excited about returning to the Brumbies and I am looking forward to the challenges of Super 15 rugby," he said. "Playing with Bath has been fantastic; it's been a great experience. It's made me a better player, and further developed my leadership and tactical skills. I'm keen to use those skills with the Brumbies.

"I know the Brumbies' program back-to-front and that will help me to put myself in a strong position for Wallaby selection next year. Obviously from a player's perspective it will be different not having George there. He's been a great mentor to me. He is one of the Brumbies greatest players. And, the chance to earn that 7 jersey is a very exciting opportunity."

Brumbies coach Andy Friend was pleased to have secured the services of Salvi and believes that he can play a big role for the franchise in a back-row that will also include skipper Stephen Hoiles and Rocky Elsom.

"It's never an easy task replacing a player like George Smith but this is a very good start," he said. "We're all aware of what a quality player Jules is. He's pushed George for a number of years at the Brumbies, he's done his apprenticeship here, he's returning as one of the most respected players in the UK and next year will be his turn to really make his mark."