Newly re-signed ACT Brumbies back James Dargaville says he feels for players who face uncertain futures while they wait for a decision on Australia's Super Rugby debacle.
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Dargaville signed a one-year contract extension on Thursday and is happy to play the role of the Brumbies' 'Mr Fix It' to chase as much game time as possible next year.
The Brumbies are set to add hooker Folau Faingaa to their in the coming days, with the former Australian under-20s rake to replace the departed Saia Faingaa.
Incoming Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has a handful of spots fill to complete his roster and the player market could be flooded if the ARU axes either the Western Force or Melbourne Rebels.
The ARU is locked in an arbitration case with the Force, while billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest has thrown his support behind the Perth franchise.
Force and Rebels players are awaiting the outcome of the arbitration case. Cutting one team will leave some players without a job.
Dargaville admitted the Australian rugby drama weighed on his mind this year, but says he has unfinished business at the Brumbies.
"You try not to think about all the stuff happening off the field," Dargaville said.
"But when it does get to late in the season and you haven't really sorted out where you're going to be next year ... a lot of boys from a lot of clubs were feeling the pinch.
"It's impossible to say that it doesn't affect you day to day. But I just feel for those boys over in Perth and Melbourne where their lives are still in limbo.
"I'm only 25, so I wasn't in a rush to run off overseas yet. My main aim was to stay in Australia and at the Brumbies, so to get another year here is really good."
Dargaville has played various roles since making his Brumbies debut in 2015. He spent most of last season on the wing, but can play almost any position in the back line.
The full-time return of Christian Lealiifano will bolster the Brumbies' back-line ranks while winger Lausii Taliauli will also push for game time after a season-ending knee injury this year.
Taliauli and Dargaville will use the Canberra Vikings' to launch their selection battle when the National Rugby Championship season starts in the coming weeks.
"We've got some pretty good centres at the Brumbies so it's more of a weekly proposition of where do I fit into the team," Dargaville said.
"There's plenty of talent there, so it's about getting a starting role and playing good rugby every time you get an opportunity.
"For the time being I am happy to play that [versatile] role, that's just the balance the team needs with the other players we've got in the back line. You've just got to add what you can."
McKellar is searching for two backs to add to his squad while the club is also working to secure rising stars to add to an extended player squad.
Scrumhalf Matt Lucas and back-rower Lachlan McCaffrey are close to finalising deals to move to the Brumbies.
Lucas is leaving the NSW Waratahs while McCaffrey is returning to Canberra after a stint the Leicester Tigers.
