Rathbone returns
22 Aug 2012
Clyde Rathbone, who retired from rugby three years ago, has signed a one-year deal with the Brumbies.
The 31-year-old has spent the past few weeks training with his old Super Rugby side in a bid to win a contract.
‘Clyde’s presented himself in perfect physical condition,’ said backs coach and former team-mate Stephen Larkham. ‘He’s stronger than he ever was, he’s almost as quick as he was and [Brumbies conditioning coach] Dean Benton thinks he can get even quicker. The signs are there.’
Rathbone was initially asked to consider a return earlier this year by Brumbies coach Jake White (Rathone captained the SA U21 side in 2002 when White was coach). While he turned it down at the time, Rathbone said the idea of a comeback stayed with him.
‘It’s the start of something and just an awesome opportunity,’ he said. ‘I’m very excited about getting involved again.’
18 Comments
23 Aug 2012, 07:40 am
Returns? Has this Dragon left?
23 Aug 2012, 07:46 am
its hard for me to like this guy.
i will refrain from comment.
23 Aug 2012, 07:48 am
Good luck man
23 Aug 2012, 08:03 am
What great news! I happened to “rudely” interrupt him & George Gregan while they were sitting drinking coffee at a Sandton hotel one Saturday morning a few years ago and he struck me as an extremely pleasant guy.
Good luck Clyde, I wish you all the best.
23 Aug 2012, 08:18 am
Will be interesting to see how he goes for the Eagles in the Dent Cup and whether he’ll trouble the new breed Speight, Tomane, Coleman, Mogg, Kuridrani for their spots in the 22… but his 26 test caps, 50 odd Super caps and his excellent leadership qualities certainly make him an asset in the set-up…
Moore, Mowen, Pocock and now Rathbone… JW is certainly bring some leadership into the youngest side in the S15′s squad…
23 Aug 2012, 09:10 am
good to see him continue his bounce back. will be great for him.
23 Aug 2012, 09:13 am
Good on ya Clyde. He has been through a lot lately so I hope it turns out well for him
23 Aug 2012, 09:14 am
Clyde is one of the nicest players you could ever meet. I wish him all the best of luck. He will be a positive addition to Jakes squad.
23 Aug 2012, 09:27 am
Welcome back !! Always felt sad that he left the game so early. Good luck.
23 Aug 2012, 10:02 am
Jake to the rescue
23 Aug 2012, 10:37 am
Jakes lovechild gets preferential treatment!
This oak is juts another Kevin Pietersen in my eyes, when the going gets tough, pack your bags and try elsewhere.
No respect!!!
23 Aug 2012, 11:34 am
Good luck, all the best. Hope you stay injury free
23 Aug 2012, 11:36 am
@coma-11: Read his article
http://www.worldartists.co.za/page/news/1156740-Rathbone-reveals-all
23 Aug 2012, 12:22 pm
@Bok fan-13: It’s quite amazing, that story is.
Thanks.
I sure hope things turn out well for you, Clyde.
All the best, mate, and welcome back!!!
23 Aug 2012, 12:23 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-14: Pleasure
23 Aug 2012, 14:10 pm
@coma-11:
Dumbass… whilst JW planted the seed… it was Owen Finegan (after a few club games), Stephen Larkham, Rod Kafer and then conditioning guru Dean that ultimately brought him back into the fold… and he’s not guaranteed anything with the new breed making such a good start to their careers…
Rather induce yourself into one… a coma of ignorance that is…
23 Aug 2012, 19:26 pm
Yeah good luck to him – this guy had huge unfulfilled talent – JW and CR potentially made a good move here – if v fit probably got at least 1 year left in him.
23 Aug 2012, 21:06 pm
Good to see him linking up with JW again, I hope he makes a successful comeback, it would be good to see him on the field again and hopefully over his troubles.
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