Kimlin is on the Brumbies' radar less than a year after the Canberra junior quit Australian rugby to link with French club Grenoble.

Kimlin was back in the capital last week and it is understood he has discussed a comeback with the Brumbies.

Brumbies and Wallabies skipper Mowen will quit Australian rugby at the end of the year to move to France and most likely join the Montpellier club.

Mowen is about to finalise his deals with the Brumbies and ARU and, despite speculation he would sit out the season because of a contract release issue, is intent on helping the ACT win a Super Rugby title this season.

The biggest lure for Kimlin will be a chance to push his case for World Cup selection next year.

World Cup hopefuls must play in Australian Super Rugby teams next year if they want to be a part of the campaign to win the sport's greatest prize.

Kimlin has a one-year deal with Grenoble, with an option to play a second season, but hinted before leaving after the Super Rugby final last year that he would like to return to chase his World Cup dream.

The 28-year-old played two Tests for the Wallabies in 2009, both against Italy, but injuries put his international career on hold.

His outstanding 2013 season put him back on the international radar, but he signed a lucrative French deal.

Kimlin spoke with Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie about his future in the Test team before departing for France.

It is understood he is viewed as a key part of the World Cup campaign.

Fairfax Media revealed earlier this month Mowen was quitting Australian rugby and his World Cup aspirations to instead play in France.

There was speculation about whether he would play for the Brumbies this season as he negotiated a release date with the ARU.

But Mowen's deal with the Brumbies is all but finalised and he will play the season - which starts against the Queensland Reds on February 22 - as he aims for a Super Rugby title.

The Brumbies begin their pre-season campaign against the Otago Highlanders in Queenstown on Friday night.

The club's Wallabies contingent has been rested as new coach Stephen Larkham and director of rugby Laurie Fisher opt to blood rising talent.

It is the first match since the Super Rugby final against the Chiefs in Hamilton and the turbulent off-season during which coach Jake White quit his contract two years early.

''There are a few nerves there, it's a new coaching structure and there have been a lot of changes in the organisation,'' Larkham said.

''The pressure really hits when you get to the start of the season.

''But what gives you comfort is we know the guys have trained and we know what we've worked on. All of that relates to playing well …

''You just want to get into it and this is the first weekend we get to do that.''

SUPER RUGBY TRIAL

Friday: Otago Highlanders v ACT Brumbies at Queenstown Recreation Ground, 4pm (AEDT).