The ACT Brumbies have pulled off a recruitment coup on the eve of their first home game of the season, with skipper Sam Carter signing a new two-year deal to stay in Canberra.
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But Carter's re-commitment to the Brumbies has been offset by the departure of close mate Scott Fardy, who has signed a contract with Irish giant Leinster.
Fardy said he would put all of his energy into leaving Canberra on a high after deciding a chance to play in Europe was too tempting.
The 32-year-old was a Super Rugby late bloomer and made his debut for the Brumbies in 2012 as a 28-year-old.
But Fardy quickly established himself as one of Australian rugby's most valuable assets, starring in the Wallabies' charge to the World Cup final two years ago and playing 39 Tests.
He has signed a two-year deal to be based in Dublin, but he could revive his 2019 World Cup dream if he decides to make an Australian rugby comeback before the tournament.
"It's still a big year ahead at the Brumbies and I'm looking forward to the season ahead in Canberra," Fardy said.
"I'm also excited about the chance to join Leinster next season. But I've got a lot that I want to achieve at the Brumbies and it should be a great year with the boys."
Brumbies chief executive Michael Thomson said: "Scott goes with our blessing, he's been a great asset to the organisation. We wish him the best overseas and who knows, he may even come back one day."
Carter is the first player to re-sign with the Brumbies as the club also searches for a new coach to replace Stephen Larkham at the end of the year.
His new contract is a major boost for the Brumbies, who are chasing their first win of the season against the Durban Sharks at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.
The hard-working second-rower also has one eye on forcing his way back into the Wallabies squad to chase selection for the World Cup in 2019.
Larkham will leave the coaching job at the end of the season to become a full-time Wallabies assistant and the Brumbies are aiming to appoint his successor by the end of March.
Carter is the leader of a new generation of Brumbies, taking the captaincy duties after the departure of Stephen Moore and while Christian Lealiifano continues his recovery from leukaemia.
Carter has played 80 games for the Brumbies since making his debut in 2011 and will lead the team on to Canberra Stadium for the first time in a clash against the Durban Sharks on Saturday.
The 27-year-old has slipped down the Australian second-row pecking order in the past 12 months, but hopes a big season with the Brumbies can catapult him back into the Test team.
The Brumbies will push ahead with player recruitment and retention at the same time they look for someone to replace Larkham.
Tevita Kuridrani, Tomas Cubelli and Jarrad Butler are at the top of the list of players looking for new deals, but the uncertainty surrounding Super Rugby is delaying some of the process.
Super Rugby officials will meet next week to discuss the future of the competition and one Australian team could be axed.
If an Australian team is cut, the ARU would need to find room for the players from that franchise.
The Brumbies have appointed former Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill in a newly created role of general manager of high performance and pathways.
Hill's job will be managing contracts and ensuring the Brumbies have a sustainable list for the future.
Wallabies outside centre Kuridrani is weighing up his options, but says his contract situation won't be a distraction.
"I haven't really thought about it, my manager is taking care of all of that and my job is to keep playing," Kuridrani said.
"I'll let my manager take most of that and then I'll make a decision in the end.
"I'm not really sure what my future is at the moment, but there is the World Cup in 2019 and then there is overseas as well.
"I'll just try to focus on Super Rugby and see how the rest of it goes from there, it will get done when it happens."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND TWO
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Durban Sharks at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 1. Tickets available from Ticketek.
Brumbies team: 15. Aidan Toua, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Kyle Godwin, 11. James Dargaville, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 9. Joe Powell, 8. Jordan Smiler, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Scott Fardy. 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Josh Mann-Rea, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Ben Alexander, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Lolo Fakaosilea, 21. De Wet Roos, 22. Andrew Smith, 23. Isaac Thompson.
