Clyde Rathbone is tackled by Gareth Clouston of the ACT XV, during the Super Rugby trial match on February 8. Photo: Getty Images
Clyde Rathbone's fairytale return to Super Rugby is complete.
The former Wallabies flyer will start for the ACT Brumbies against the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night and coach Jake White hopes it sparks a return to the glory days for the club.
It will also bring up his 50th cap for the Australian province.
Before and after pictures of Clyde Rathbone, as he worked his way from depression back to peak fitness.
A chronic knee injury forced Rathbone to retire in 2009, but a call from White last year prompted an improbable return to the team he won a championship with in 2004.
He battled depression and weight issues in his time away from the game.
Rathbone has impressed in two trial games, scoring three tries, and he's gradually built up his game time to the point where he's confident he can play the full 80 minutes.
Clyde Rathbone celebrates victory with the Cook Cup during a match between the Wallabies and England in 2004. Photo: Getty Images
"It's a pretty big occasion, just in the context of the last couple of years," he said.
"This game has been on the radar for a while and has been a focus of mine to get back for this.
"And in the context of our season it's pretty important.
"Personally it's going to be a big occasion, but I think for us as a group leading into the rest of the year this is a massive game."
It hasn't all been smooth sailing for Rathbone, who's had to overcome hamstring and ankle problems during the pre-season, but he's forced his way into White's thinking regardless.
The Brumbies camp has repeatedly said the 26-time Wallaby has come back fitter, faster and stronger than he was in his glory days.
And White is hoping Rathbone's return for his landmark game, along with a mouth-watering clash against the Reds, will prompt a big crowd at Canberra Stadium.
He wants their home ground to become a fortress once again.
"I think [Rathbone's] done enough to select himself ... one thing I'm looking for is an old player coming back hopefully to old ways in Canberra where there's 20,000 supporters," White said.
"In a lot of ways we're really getting the hype up and hoping that we can challenge the supporters in Canberra and see if we can get back to those old days.
"A lot of people say if you win they'll come ... but I think that Canberra loves rugby, there's nothing on this weekend, great weather, great time to bring your family and great time to remember the day Clyde plays his 50th game."
The Brumbies open their 2013 season against the 2011 champions on Saturday at 7.40pm.
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