Sydney - Former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison will attempt to restart a career stalled by a lengthy drugs ban when he joins the Brumbies for next year's Super 14 rugby tournament.
Harrison, 35, was suspended for eighth months after admitting taking cocaine while playing for the English club Bath during the 2008-2009 northern hemisphere season. The 34-Test veteran, who last played for Australia in 2004, ends his suspension on Jan. 13, 2010 and has joined the Brumbies on a one-year contract.
"I've made mistakes during my career but the next 12 months is a chance for me to rectify my professional reputation," Harrison said.
"After finishing up with Bath, I sat down and ranked the countries and clubs I wanted to play with. I listed the Brumbies at number one even though it was an unlikely scenario at the time."
Harrison last played for the Brumbies in 2003 before joining the New South Wales Waratahs, then traveled to Europe where he first joined the Irish club Ulster.
"Justin's made it very clear that he's 100 percent about winning rugby matches and contributing to the side to help us do that," Brumbies coach Andy Friend said.
"The decision to recruit Justin was a football decision and one I knew was the right thing for the Brumbies.
"He's arguably the best lineout technician in the game. He's a very smart footballer, who will be a good mentor for a number of our younger players."