The ACT Brumbies have landed a major signing coup ahead of a blockbuster derby battle, finalising a deal to keep Tom Wright in Canberra for at least one more season.
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It can be revealed Wright has committed to a contract extension until at least the end of 2021, ending the cross-code race to the 23-year-old winger's signature.
His decision to stay in the 15-man code is a huge boost for the Brumbies ahead of Saturday's showdown with the NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium.
The Canberra Times revealed in June Wright was a priority signing for the Brumbies and Rugby Australia despite a game-wide contract freeze.
The deal to retain the Wallabies bolter was all but done in March when the coronavirus outbreak caused Super Rugby to shutdown, bringing negotiations to a halt.
Having put an end to months of uncertainty, Wright says he can now focus on the Brumbies' race to the Super Rugby AU finals.
"I'm really happy to be staying at the Brumbies and in Canberra next season," Wright said.
"I've loved every minute with the club so far and I've formed some special relationships with my teammates, so to know I'll be here next season is awesome.
"Having that sorted for next year is great and now I can just concentrate on performing for the club and doing my best for the team as we aim to win Super Rugby AU.
"Beyond next year will take care of itself, but I certainly plan to be in Canberra for a long time."
Wright has been the competition's form winger in Super Rugby AU and is edging closer towards a Wallabies call-up.
He's found a home on the wing since joining the Brumbies and scored six tries in nine appearances this year, which hasn't gone unnoticed by Australian selectors.
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Twelve Brumbies, including Wright, were rewarded for the club's fast start to the 2020 season and named on Dave Rennie's national players of interest squad.
Australian director of rugby Scott Johnson noted Wright's terrific form and his push towards Wallabies honours.
"Nothing is guaranteed around future honours though and Tom is fully aware he has to continue to knuckle down and work hard to earn that gold jersey," Johnson said.
"Tom is part of a very exciting and young group of talent and his commitment is just another sign of a bright future for Australian rugby."
Wright is likely to enter the frame for Brumbies selection this week after nursing a niggling ankle injury and minor rib issues.
His imminent return comes as welcome news for Dan McKellar's side after as they look to bounce back from their first loss of Super Rugby AU.
The Waratahs are coming off consecutive wins and scored 73 points between them, a factor scrumhalf Nic White says will come into play this week.
"They look really confident, so we're going to have to be on our toes and it's going to be a game where our defence can really step up," White said.
"That will be the difference, how we defend against a side that's attacked well over the past few weeks.
"They scored 50-odd points against Queensland and looked really good on the weekend, so they're attacking really well. We'll focus on how we can defend that."
SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND EIGHT
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.