After a week of speculation brought on by the recruitment of Western Force scrumhalf Josh Valentine, the music came to a stop for the Brumbies' three No9s yesterday and only Phibbs was left with a chair for next season.

Coach Andy Friend called Josh Holmes and James Stannard in for meetings and told both they would not be re-signed.

Friend explained the decision to retain 27-year-old Phibbs on a one-year deal was in the interests of short-term success.

He said Phibbs would provide the best support to Valentine, whose combination with Matt Giteau at the Force will continue back in Canberra next season.

''When we looked at all the issues around the decision, the key one was who could give us the best direction next year, along with Josh Valentine, and the answer was Pat Phibbs,'' Friend said.

''He's able to control the forwards more, to get more out of them. Josh has got some real flair in his game and ... the decision to let him go is a difficult one. But we're looking for 2010 and I think the game control Patrick has outweighs the potential future of Josh Holmes.''

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times