The Brumbies face a dilemma if new recruit Peter Hewat proves a saviour and plays a key role in getting them into the Super Rugby finals.
The Brumbies announced on Sunday that former Waratahs star Hewat had joined the Australian conference leaders subject to insurance clearance in the wake of the season-ending injuries to playmakers Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua.
But at best he will only be able to play regular season games, not finals, as competition rules require players to have been signed, or be eligible to sign, before April 1 to play in finals matches.
That was the least of coach Jake White’s concerns for the moment as he welcomed the experience provided by 34-year-old Hewat, who has spent the last two seasons in Japan with Suntory after three years with London Irish in the English Premiership.
A prolific goalkicker, Hewat is better known as a fullback or outside back in Australia from his time with NSW but has played at five-eighth in Japan.
“Peter offers plenty of experience to our younger players and we are pleased to have him for the rest of the season,” White said on Sunday.
“He is a proven point scorer and has plenty of experience at top level rugby, both in Australia and overseas. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action in Brumbies colours.”
The Brumbies return from a timely bye to face the improving Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday, when White will have to decide on a new five-eighth, either one of youngsters Robbie Coleman and Zack Holmes or possibly Hewat if his insurance is cleared in time.
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