Mann-Rea, 36, agreed to a contract extension on Thursday to continue his Super Rugby career until at least a few months before his 39th birthday.

Hooker Mann-Rea says he hasn't put a timeframe on retirement as he contemplates becoming the first Super Rugby player in his 40s.

The two-time Wallabies rake is soaking up every second of his late-blooming career, which started a goal-kicking hooker in Japan before his Australian professional debut in 2012 as a 31-year-old.

He's tasted "real world" work in the mines and was putting in fence posts at Jugiong on Thursday after signing his new deal.

But age, work and moving 125 kilometres away from the Brumbies' training base for a taste of country life has failed to dampen his enthusiasm.

"Playing at 40? I don't know, honestly. A lot of people thought I wouldn't be playing at 36, but I hope I can keep going," Mann-Rea said.

"When I came down to Canberra [in 2013] I didn't think I would be playing until this age. My goal was to get just one cap, now to get my 50th this year and sign for another two ... I never thought about it.

"As long as the body holds up and they think I'm playing decent enough footy to contribute, then you don't want to have to give up.

"I've been to the real world. Being a professional footy player is a good job and I know how lucky I am. Hopefully I can keep going until the body tells me I need to hang them up."

Mann-Rea is the first of a long list of Brumbies poised to sign new contracts in the coming weeks as the club builds a roster for next year and beyond.

More are expected to follow next week with incoming coach Dan McKellar working to secure a squad for his first season as a Super Rugby mentor.

The ARU has lifted a contract ban despite continuing the process of axing one Australian team, and Mann-Rea hopes being able to finalise deals ease player concerns about their futures

Mann-Rea will be a big piece of the Brumbies' puzzle after Saia Faingaa signed a deal to link with London Irish.

Cross-code legend Brad Thorn is the oldest player in Super Rugby history, finishing his career as a 39-year-old in 2014.

Former Brumbies champion George Smith's contract at the Queensland Reds will finish when he's 38, but the durable flanker could decide to play on.

Mann-Rea just wants to keep playing for as long as he can after waiting more than a decade to break into a Super Rugby squad.

Mann-Rea says finding balance in his life has helped keep the fire burning after moving to Harden in country NSW with his wife and children last year.

He spends three hours driving to and from Brumbies training, occasionally crashing on teammates' couches if they've got an early session the following day.

"When I first came to Canberra I was in at Brumbies every day doing something or training. But personally for me, coming out to [Harden] it's just a good escape," Mann-Rea said.

"You get your mind away from rugby, and get back to the real world a bit away from football. For me, it's a perfect balance."

Mann-Rea has cemented his place as the Brumbies' starting hooker this season, filling the hole left by Wallabies captain Stephen Moore.

The Brumbies have secured a fifth consecutive finals berth and will host a home play-off match in Canberra, likely against a New Zealand team on July 21.

"Our results might not look good on paper but we've shown we can be competitive," Mann-Rea said.

"We've been in games until the end ... there's a good feeling in the group. A lot of belief and I think I wouldn't rule it out we could go all the way. That was the goal this season."