Carter in, Fardy out at Brumbies

Fri, Mar 3, 2017, 4:08 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
One fan favourite is set to stay while another is headed to Europe. The Brumbies announced some major signing news ahead of their first home game of the 2017 Super Rugby season.

Wallabies and Brumbies flanker Scott Fardy feels it's time to stretch his wings but the 32-year-old hasn’t shut down a World Cup return.

Fardy, who will leave the Brumbies after six seasons this year to move to Ireland, said he felt it was time for him to move on and allow the next generation through.

“I think there’s a number of good players that can take my position,” he said.

“Younger players are always going to be better than me, they just need time.

“I’m also looking for an opportunity to see some of the world, opportunity to play overseas.

“I’ve played in Japan before, but that was a different kind of setup.

“(It’s about) seeing parts of the world I haven’t seen before - rugby’s a passport, so it helps you get to many areas of the world.”

Fardy hasn’t closed the door on a possible 2019 World Cup return, with a two-year deal running out before the end of that Super Rugby season.

“I don’t think it’s completely shut off. It’s up to me and how well I play,” he said.

The re-signing of co-captain Sam Carter, though, is a major boon for the Brumbies and a crucial show of faith for the club, which has a handful of players yet to re-commit.

Fardy said Carter’s commitment would hopefully send a strong sign to the rest of the group.

“For the younger players to see their captain re-sign, to know that he’s here for another couple of years, I think guys will follow in after him,” he said.

“He’s done a good job so far and he’s still learning in the role and be better for it.

“The guys will be really excited about having him on board.”

Scott Fardy throws his body well and truly on the line. Photo: ARU Media/Stu WalmsleyCarter said while he had discussions with international teams, ultimately his decision was simple.

“It’s pretty good for me. I don’t have to worry about it anymore. I love the Brumbies down here and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said.

“I explored a lot of options over the last four or five months but in the end staying down here and having another crack at the gold jersey and staying here for the next two years was too good to resist.”

Carter still has a burning desire to make it back into the Wallabies fold on a regular basis, after featuring in just one Test last season, in the June Series.

“When you play rugby you want to play at the highest level and that's’ still a major goal for me,” he said.

“If I have a good year this year and back it up, anything could happen.”

Carter’s lock partner, Rory Arnold, re-signed earlier this season, eschewing European interest, in the club’s biggest coup so far.

Among those yet to re-sign is Wallabies centre Tevita Kuridrani, who has been linked to some big-money French offers.

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