Brumbies sign George Smith - FAMOUS SPORTS CELEBRITIES

Brumbies sign George Smith

ACT Brumbies coach Jake White has hailed the signing of former Wallaby George Smith after securing the flanker on a short-term deal.

Smith's Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath has allowed him to take up a 12-week stint with the Canberra side following a season-ending injury to Brumbies back rower Ita Vaea.

Smith will start training with the Canberra-based side next week and could be considered for selection for the home game against the NSW Waratahs on March 9.

"It's exciting news for the club that we have been able to bring George back to Canberra," Brumbies coach Jake White said in a statement on the team's website.

"He's achieved a great deal in the game and was an important part of the team for many years, so naturally everyone at the Brumbies will be pleased to have him back.

"George's record and ability to win games is outstanding.

"The guy has won Super Rugby championships, he's won big games for the Wallabies and he's played in a rugby World Cup final so I want him to bring that winning culture back here to the Brumbies."

Smith has played 110 Tests for the Wallabies and last played for the Brumbies in 2010. He played a season in France with Toulon before moving to Japan last year.

Brumbies assistant coach Stephen Larkham says Smith has been brought in as cover following the season-ending injury of back rower Ita Vaea.

Smith will gve the Brumbies a formidable formidable back row that already includes Wallabies flanker and new recruit David Pocock.

"Everyone wants to play alongside George Smith � He's playing some very good rugby," Pocock told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

"You can always learn off George. Apart from the on-field stuff, off the field he's a great guy to have around as well."

The Brumbies sit on top of the overall Super Rugby ladder after winning their first two matches.