Rathbone to start for Brumbies

Canberra - Ex-Wallabies wing Clyde Rathbone is expected to make his comeback for the Brumbies in the opening round of the Super 15 competition this weekend, returning after almost four years on the sidelines.

Rathbone, who captained his native South Africa at under-21 level before migrating to Australia and playing 26 Tests for the Wallabies between 2004 and 2006, retired in 2009 after a spate of injuries.

He admitted publicly last year that he battled depression before deciding on a long-awaited return to the Brumbies and trying to expand on his 49 caps for the Canberra-based club.

Brumbies coach Jake White, who guided South Africa to the 2007 World Cup title, on Monday confirmed Rathbone would start on the wing against the Reds this weekend after impressive form in recent trials.