Lachlan McCaffrey landed in Tokyo with a new Super Rugby contract and for a chance to relaunch his World Cup hopes, but the real bonus of the Japanese road trip?
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"Maybe a bit of extra sleep," grins new dad McCaffrey.
"I think I'm sharing a room with Matty Lucas. I've already told him it's lights out at 8pm."
McCaffrey has signed a one-year contract extension to stay at the ACT Brumbies for the 2020 season, which will include a stint in the Japan second division later this year.
His upgraded contract continues a big year for the skillful back-rower, who has cemented his place as Brumbies leader, put himself in Wallabies selection contention and became a father for the first time when partner Tash gave birth to daughter Harper two weeks ago.
The Brumbies clash against the Japan Sunwolves on Saturday will be McCaffrey's comeback from injury after a ligament damaged halted his charge to a Wallabies call up.
The 29-year-old was one of the in-form back-rowers in Australian rugby and was being spoken about as a potential World Cup bolter this year before his knee twisted awkwardly six weeks ago.
The silver lining to being out with injury was being able to spend more time with Tash and Harper.
"It's a bit stranger going away now, I'm really going to miss them," McCaffrey said.
"But I'm really excited to be back playing as well. I thought I'd be out for two or three weeks, here we are six weeks later.
"The injury came at a really disappointing time for me, but that's life and I can't complain. I'm really grateful [Brumbies coach] Dan McKellar has given me opportunities when we've got lots of good back-rowers.
BRUMBIES NEWS
"I've had a lot of coaches who haven't backed my style, but I'm grateful Dan has had faith in my game and what I can bring."
McCaffrey is one of only a handful of changes to the Brumbies squad game-day squad for the must-win match in Tokyo.
Loosehead props James Slipper and Scott Sio will continue their rotation, with Slipper starting and Sio shifting to the bench. McCaffrey is part of a forwards-heavy reserves list and Lucas replaces Ryan Lonergan as the back-up scrumhalf.
The Brumbies are one point ahead of the Melbourne Rebels in the race for Australia's guaranteed finals spot, while World Cup spots will also go on the line.
Journeyman McCaffrey has had stints in Perth, Sydney, Canberra, London Welsh and Leicester before making the capital his full-time home last year.
His move back to the Brumbies has gave him a fresh start, but it was Leicester's former Australian coach, Matt O'Connor, who opened the door for McCaffrey to have another crack at Super Rugby.
O'Connor told McCaffrey he wouldn't be needed for the final season of his contract just three days before training was supposed to start.
"But I couldn't be happier with that. It was horrible at the time, but I've had the most enjoyable two years of rugby I've ever had since coming back to the Brumbies. I love the Brumbies, I love being in Canberra. I'm enjoying my footy as much as I ever have. To stay here suited me." McCaffrey said.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 16
Saturday: Japan Sunwolves v ACT Brumbies at Tokyo, 3.15pm.
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Tom Cusack, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Toni Pulu, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Darcy Swain, 20. Rob Valetini, 21. Lachlan McCaffrey, 22. Matt Lucas, 23. Tom Wright.
