The end of David Pocock's Super Rugby career is set to trigger a back-row signing spree as the ACT Brumbies make moves to fill the void left by the superstar flanker.
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The Brumbies have finalised a one-year contract extension for Locky McCaffrey, with the deal to be announced on Thursday as the team prepares to keep alive its finals chances in Japan.
It can be revealed rookie Jahrome Brown is also expected to recommit to the Brumbies after a standout debut season and NSW back-up No. 7 Will Miller is set to move to the capital next year.
McCaffrey's new contract and the impending deals for Brown and Miller are a huge boost for the Brumbies, who have already re-signed Tom Cusack and Rob Valetini. Pete Samu also has one year left on his existing contract.
The six-man rotation will ease concerns about how the Brumbies replace Pocock after the 77-Test veteran was forced into premature domestic rugby retirement because of injury.
McCaffrey's decision to stay in the capital gives the club leadership stability with Pocock and Sam Carter leaving at the end of the season, and captain Christian Lealiifano yet to make a decision about his future.
"I'm enjoying my rugby and want to continue to help the Brumbies to be successful," McCaffrey said.
BRUMBIES NEWS
McCaffrey is set to make his comeback from injury when the Brumbies play the Japan Sunwolves on Saturday, with coach Dan McKellar to name his side on Thursday afternoon.
Brown, Samu and Cusack have shouldered massive workloads this season in the absence of Pocock (calf), Valetini (knee) and McCaffrey (knee). The challenge for the rest of the season is trying to blend McCaffrey and Valetini back into the rotation.
"Those boys [Brown, Samu and Cusack] have performed really well, Valetini got some minutes last week and played well and McCaffrey is available for selection this week," McKellar said.
"They're all very good footballers. Jahrome Brown has been the surprise package this year, he's played really well.
"I think a lot of the time you unearth new talent off the unfortunate circumstances of others and that's how we find Jahrome.
"...We know we've got a good footballer. Jahrome turned up in good shape and that says a lot about the individual. It said he wanted to play Super Rugby, he's slotted in very well and he's got a big future."
The Brumbies play the Sunwolves, the Waratahs and the Reds in their last three games of the regular season.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 16
Saturday: Japan Sunwolves v ACT Brumbies at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo, 3.15pm.