Super Rugby: Brumbies confirm signing of Argentina halfback Tomas Cubelli on a two-year deal

THE Brumbies have confirmed the signing of Argentina’s Rugby World Cup halfback Tomas Cubelli on a two-year deal.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Tomas Cubelli of Argentina breaks with the ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Bronze Final match between South Africa and Argentina at the Olympic Stadium on October 30, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

THE Brumbies have confirmed the signing of Argentina halfback Tomas Cubelli on a two-year deal.

Cubelli has 45 Test caps for Los Pumas and was a key member of their impressive run to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.

He will be an ideal replacement for Wallabies halfback Nic White, who has left the Brumbies to play in France.

“We’ve seen through his performances in The Rugby Championship and the great form he showed at the Rugby World Cup, particularly against the All Blacks, Tomas has the necessary skills and knowledge of the game to successfully fit into our structure, and be a game-breaker in Super Rugby,” said Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham.

Tomas Cubelli of Argentina breaks with the ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Brumbies chief executive Michael Jones was equally delighted with the capture of Cubelli.

“Tomas is a fantastic reader of the game, he is a great attacking scrumhalf and very physical,” Jones said.

“He has a great pass and solid kicking game which will really suit our style of play. I really think playing under Stephen Larkham and alongside world-class players such as Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua, Tomas will really come into his own. He has always had a desire to learn and grow as a player and we think we can help him do that here at the Brumbies.”

The news ends a lengthy negotiation process between the Brumbies and the Argentine Rugby Union.

South Africa's full-back Willie le Roux runs toward Argentina's scrum half Tomas Cubelli.

Argentina will field its first ever Super Rugby team next year and 21 Pumas World Cup players have been locked into the squad.

“The Argentine Rugby Union have been fantastic throughout the entire period,” Jones said.

“Obviously Tomas is a very valuable property for them but they have taken a very mature and strategic view that, as one of their key players for the future, he would really benefit from being part of the renowned Brumbies program and playing alongside so many Wallabies and under Wallaby attack coach Stephen Larkham.”

Cubelli will fly to Australia in coming weeks to link with the Brumbies’ pre-season program.

Originally published as Super Rugby: Brumbies confirm signing of Argentina halfback Tomas Cubelli on a two-year deal