Brumbies placed the Scrumhalf trio on a media ban yesterday morning
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Friend admits Valentine's signing could create distraction
Peter Fitzgerald, Canberra Times | May 7, 2009 - 12:55PM
ACT Brumbies coach Andy Friend has conceded his scrumhalves' performances on Saturday night could be affected by their uncertain futures.
The Brumbies confirmed Australian rugby's worst kept secret yesterday, that Western Force scrumhalf Josh Valentine would move to Canberra next season.
Valentine's impending arrival means only one of incumbent No.9s Patrick Phibbs, Josh Holmes or James Stannard will be offered a new contract for 2010.
The Brumbies placed the trio on a media ban yesterday morning, fearing talking to the press would heighten speculation on their futures.
Friend accepted Phibbs and Holmes who will both play scrumhalf against the Auckland Blues on Saturday night could suffer a dip in form as doubts about their futures arose.
But he backed the pair to deal with the speculation professionally.
"There's always that potential there. Everyone knows we work in an environment where these decisions are made whilst still playing games but I'd like to think the players are professional enough to separate what's happening next year from what's going on at the present," Friend said.
"I have complete faith the lads will be at the top of their game against the Blues."
Friend and Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan hoped to have decided by the end of the week which of the three incumbents would be offered a new contract next year.
The Brumbies had three specialist No.9s in their squad this season. They will reduce that to two next season because flyhalf recruit Matt Giteau can cover scrumhalf if required and the team plans to reduce its squad from 32 to 30 players.
Confirmation of Valentine's signature came as no surprise yesterday.
The four-time Wallaby's primary reason for leaving the Force for the Brumbies was so he could continue playing alongside Giteau.
"I've certainly enjoyed playing inside Matt Giteau at the Force and with Matt going to the Brumbies next season I'll hopefully have the opportunity to continue building that partnership," Valentine said.
"That was certainly one of the major reasons I've signed with the Brumbies but they have a number of quality players and are heading in an exciting direction."
More players are likely to commit to the Brumbies this week.
George Smith, Peter Kimlin, Salesi Ma'afu and Mark Chisholm are all expected to re-sign with the club in the coming days.
The Brumbies are also scouting for their two permitted overseas players.
Fagan confirmed an outside back was being investigated but any overseas-based player, would not be a top-tier international.
Meanwhile, Friend hopes to finalise his team today for Saturday night's clash against the Blues.
Sitaleki Timani (knee), Julian Salvi (ankle) and Holmes (hamstring) have all had restricted training schedules this week due to injuries.
Ben Alexander (possible virus) and Stephen Moore (hamstring) have also missed aspects of training but are expected to be cleared to play.
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...289289276.html
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