Rugby: Huxley back with Wallabies hopes

Julian Huxley. Photo / Getty Images

CANBERRA - Julian Huxley says he'd love to play for the Wallabies again as he prepares to return to Super 14 rugby two years after a brain tumour threatened to end his career.

Brumbies coach Andy Friend paved the way for Huxley's return to the field in professional rugby yesterday when he named the 30-year-old backline utility on his team's bench for tomorrow night's home match against the Chiefs.

"The day has come and it seems the last two years have gone like a flash and I'm back there," said Huxley, who has played two games for the Brumbies reserves team since receiving the necessary clearances three weeks ago.

While he was urged by people close to him to consider life beyond rugby in the wake of surgery to remove a benign brain tumour, Huxley said he never gave up on making a return to the field.

"Life's too short to worry too much about the future, and you have to do what you want to do today, within reason."

He admitted hopes of adding to his six Wallabies caps earned in 2007.

"I'd love to play for the Wallabies again, but that's all way off down the track and if the last couple of years has taught me anything, it's not to look too far ahead."

Huxley was diagnosed with the brain tumour in March 2008, three days after collapsing and convulsing on the field following a head knock in a match against the Queensland Reds.

He has played 53 Super matches for the Brumbies and previously for the Reds and has remained contracted to the Brumbies since his tumour was diagnosed.

The Brumbies starting line-up has seen several changes following the 39-34 loss to the Blues in Auckland on Friday.

Matt Toomua comes into the starting side at No 10, with Matt Giteau shifting to inside centre following the loss of the in-form Christian Lealiifano, who was injured against the Blues.

Eighteen-year-old Michael Hooper will make his Super 14 debut at open side flanker as a replacement for injured George Smith, who will miss his first match for the Brumbies since their Week 11 encounter against the Chiefs in 2005.

The side also welcomes back veteran Wallabies outside centre Stirling Mortlock from injury.

- AAP