Brumbies' SA lock homesick

Sydney - South African lock Etienne Oosthuizen has been released from the final year of his Super Rugby contract with the Brumbies to be closer to his family, the club said on Friday.

The 20-year-old contacted the Canberra-based club's coaching staff from Johannesburg seeking a release, the Brumbies said.

Oosthuizen made three appearances for the Brumbies in 2013, playing in their win over the British and Irish Lions during their tour of Australia.

"Etienne came to us with a request that he stay in Africa where his family is based rather than return to the Brumbies," forwards coach Laurie Fisher said.

"It's a situation that we could sympathise with and we were able to organise a release, effective immediately."