But Hoiles says then Brumbies coach Jake White made the right decision to release him despite having a year on his contract.

Hoiles also said it's wrong to suggest player power triggered the demise of sacked Brumbies coach Andy Friend three years ago.

Hoiles will complete a remarkable rollercoaster journey when he returns to Canberra to play for the NSW Waratahs on Saturday night.

Most thought Hoiles' career was over when he missed three seasons in a row because of a persistent Achilles problem.

But the 16-Test Wallaby refused to give up on his career, spending the past three years searching for answers before travelling to Sweden for surgery to revive his playing days.

''It didn't end on the best note in Canberra, it left a bit of a sour taste with the on-field performances and my own performances,'' Hoiles said.

''I felt helpless to the end, but I know Jake made the right decision [to release me].

''I didn't want my last 18 months in Canberra to be how I remembered playing footy.

''I wanted to set an example for my kids, I would have had regrets if I didn't try everything I could to get back.

''My motivating factor is to come back better than I ever was.''

The Brumbies and Waratahs are set for a blockbuster showdown in the capital this week, with the high-flying NSW aiming for three consecutive wins to start the season.

Hoiles' return adds another twist to his rivalry, lining up for the Waratahs against the side he captained for three seasons.

The 32-year-old was training for free just a couple of months ago in the hope he could win a contract with the Waratahs.

He was injected to the starting XV two weeks ago for the first time since 2010.

It capped off a torturous three years, with his Achilles problem threatening to end his career.

His initial Achilles operation was supposed to keep him on the sideline for 12 weeks. Instead, Hoiles waited three years.

''I have a different outlook on [rugby] now. It feels like it's gone back to how I felt in the first years of my career,'' Hoiles said.

''I never took my football career for granted, but having spent so long out of the game, I do appreciate it more.''

Hoiles was the Brumbies' leader through some of the club's toughest times.

He stood tall when close friend and Brumbies teammate Shawn Mackay died on tour in South Africa in 2009.

He also stepped up in Friend's departure, becoming the Brumbies' spokesperson to allow his teammates to focus while he was on the sideline injured.

The Brumbies slumped to the club's worst season in Super Rugby history after Friend was axed.

''I still find it bizarre that the perception was that player power got rid of the coach,'' Hoiles said.

''The fact people tied the 2004 group [who ousted David Nucifora] to 2011 was wrong. That was disappointing.''

Hoiles parted ways with the Brumbies when White was appointed coach and wanted to rebuild the club.

He agreed to a release despite having one season remaining on his contract.

''I'm quite keen to come down, I've got great memories from my five and a half years in Canberra even though the last 18 months wasn't enjoyable,'' he said.

''It feels like a second chapter in my career. I get to start again.''