A lack of playing opportunIties was the deciding factor in the ACT Brumbies parting ways with Peter Hewat for the rest of the Super Rugby campaign.
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Hewat left Canberra yesterday - less than three weeks after he answered a mid-season SOS from the Brumbies following season-ending injuries to the club's two first-choice flyhalves, Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano.
But with Zack Holmes making a strong fist of the No.10 jersey and the versatile Robbie Coleman more than capable of directing traffic in the key playmaking role, Hewat has been unable to feature in the match-day 22 in the past fortnight.
''I don't want to mess him around, he's not in the mix for this week,'' Brumbies coach Jake White said.
''If you're not going to use him … you don't want him carrying tackle bags around here just feeling like he's a spare part.
''If I was going to use him, if there was a need to use him, I would've kept him here.
''I don't want to look back in six weeks' time and he's been away from his other commitments without any rewards.''
The former NSW Waratah will return to Japan to fulfil his commitments with Suntory.
The Brumbies had baulked at the insurance cost to allow him to be available considering he was behind Holmes and Coleman in the pecking order.
Hewat was already unable to feature in the finals because he was contracted to Suntory after April 1.
''What's the point of paying the insurance if I'm not going to use him?'' White said.
''At this point in time I haven't got a place for him.
''There's no sake for changing it for the sake of changing it.''
Hewat made his name as a fullback or winger with the Waratahs, and is the second-highest pointscorer in NSW history despite playing just three seasons.
He has developed into a handy flyhalf during his time in Japan, adding ball-playing skills to his already potent kicking game.
The Brumbies presented Hewat with a jersey at training on Monday in a sign he had already become a popular member of the squad.
''It's extremely disappointing for Pete and the whole group that he's not with us here any longer,'' inside centre Pat McCabe said.
''While he was here he offered a lot of direction and with Bernie [assistant coach Stephen Larkham] another experienced voice in terms of what we can potentially do better.
''He was great to have around, but we have full confidence in Zack going forward.''
FRIDAY
Melbourne Rebels v ACT Brumbies at AAMI Park, 7.40pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 3