Clyde Rathbone will make his 50th appearance in a University of Canberra Brumbies jersey three years after announcing his retirement from the game after Jake White announced his comeback on Monday.
It’s a remarkable return for a player whose early career was hounded by debilitating injuries.
But all that is now squarely behind Rathbone after scoring three tries in two trial matches.
His brace against the ACT XV last weekend had University of Canberra Brumbies fans in a time warp as he bulldozed his way to the try-line and Rathbone was pleased with the way he had progressed through the trial period.
“I’m reasonably happy with how we’ve gone to this point, there are some things we can take into training this week from the trials we’ve played, and into the game with the Reds,” Rathbone said.
“To be fair these trial matches are probably a step down from what we’d expect in a Super Rugby game. It is enjoyable and exciting for me to be back involved with professional rugby, it’s probably not something I thought would happen a couple of years ago but the coaching staff here have done a great job in getting me into shape and ready to play at this level.”
CLYDE RATHBONE
Nickname: Rath
H/W: 1.81m, 95kg
DOB: 23/7/1981, Durban South Africa
POS: Wing/centre
Juniors: Warner Beach, SA
School: Kingsway High, SA
Colts: Harlequins, SA
Senior Club: Easts, ACT
Super Rugby Debut: 2002 v Crusaders (Sharks), Durban
Brumbies Rugby debut: 2004 v Blues, Canberra
Test Debut: 2004 v Scotland, Melbourne
REP: 1999 SA Schools; 2002 SA Under 21's; 2004-2006 Australian Wallabies.Caps: 52 (3 Sharks); Pts75 (15t)Tests: 26; Pts 40 (8t)
