sport, brumbies

ACT Brumbies flanker Scott Fardy will leave Canberra at the end of the season after agreeing to a two-year deal with Irish giant Leinster. The hard-nosed Wallabies and Brumbies veteran has signed a two-year deal to base himself in Dublin, but he hasn't given up hope of playing in the 2019 World Cup. Fardy could come into World Cup selection contention for the Wallabies if he decides to return to Australian rugby at the end of his Leinster contract. His departure is a blow to the Brumbies, but the club is working with several players in the hope they will sign new deals. Fardy vowed to put all of his energy into leaving Canberra on a high after deciding a chance to play in Europe was too tempting. "It's still a big year ahead at the Brumbies and I'm looking forward to the season ahead in Canberra," Fardy said. "I'm also excited about the chance to join Leinster next season. But I've got a lot that I want to achieve at the Brumbies and it should be a great year with the boys." The 32-year-old was a Super Rugby late bloomer and made his debut for the Brumbies in 2012 as a 28-year-old, playing almost every game since earning his first cap. But Fardy quickly established himself as one of Australian rugby's most valuable assets, starring in the Wallabies' charge to the World Cup final two years ago and playing 39 Tests. Brumbies chief executive Michael Thomson said: "Scott goes with our blessing, he's been a great asset to the organisation. We wish him the best overseas and who knows, he may even come back one day." The Brumbies play their first home game of the season against the Durban Sharks on Saturday night. SUPER RUGBY ROUND TWO Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Durban Sharks at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 1. Tickets available from Ticketek. Brumbies team: 15. Aidan Toua, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Kyle Godwin, 11. James Dargaville, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 9. Joe Powell, 8. Jordan Smiler, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Scott Fardy. 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Josh Mann-Rea, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Ben Alexander, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Lolo Fakaosilea, 21. De Wet Roos, 22. Andrew Smith, 23. Isaac Thompson.

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