Tuqiri is now considering his options, with a move to Europe or Japan or possibly a return to rugby league at the forefront of his mind. He also admitted to huge disappointment at missing out on his third World Cup, in 2011.

"I'm still in a state of shock," Tuqiri told the Sunday Telegraph. "I didn't see it coming. I don't know what my future holds. I've got the next week or so to work out what I want to do and where I'd like to go with my football career.

"My main goal was to get to the 2011 World Cup. It is very sad I won't get that chance. I've had a crack at two World Cups and the fact I can't rectify the way we went out leaves a bitter taste."

"Every coach would love to have a George Smith in their side," Brumbies coach Andy Friend said. "He's a player that continually exceeds the expectations placed upon him at any level whether it be playing club rugby, with the Brumbies or at Test level for the Wallabies."

All Black Ben Franks heads the line up of returning Crusader Super 14 players such as Kahn Fotuali'i, Kade Poki, Quentin MacDonald, Jonathan Poff, Blair Cook and Dan Perrin. The rookies are Hamish Cochrane, James Foster, Shaun Begg and Ammon Matuauto.