THE ACT Brumbies are free to scour world rugby for a potential recruit, if they choose, after Jake White confirmed Henry Speight would not be considered a foreign player when the Super Rugby season begins next year.
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Speight had filled one of the Brumbies' two available foreign player contracts for the past two seasons.
However, with next year to be his third in Australia, Speight will be eligible to be selected for the Wallabies and White will be able to find another international player if required.
The Brumbies have two free roster spots in their top-30 squad.
It is hoped one of those will be filled by star openside flanker David Pocock.
Pocock is expected to make a decision in the coming week on whether he will remain with the Western Force or join the Brumbies.
White's recruiting for his full-time squad and the ARU-funded five-man extended player squad will largely depend on Pocock.
With Ruaidhri Murphy the only foreign player on his roster, White could try to lure a marquee international to the capital.
But White is also keen to give Colby Faingaa a chance to shine in the Brumbies No. 7 jersey.
Faingaa started the year level with Michael Hooper in selection contention, but injuries crippled his season and limited him to just one game from the bench.
Hooper had a boom campaign and made his Wallabies debut, but he has signed with the NSW Waratahs for next year.
''The big thing in Australian rugby is opportunity,'' White said. ''This time last year people didn't know about Michael Hooper … they might be talking about Colby Faingaa the same way next year.''
Former Brumbies No. 7 Brett Robinson has backed Faingaa to have a major impact.
''He's a great player who didn't get many chances and would be a great asset … [if Pocock doesn't sign with the Brumbies] you have to look at him first.''