Plus500 Brumbies lock Cadeyrn Neville has re-signed with the club and Rugby Australia until at least the end of 2022.

The 31-year-old previously played 63 games of Super Rugby for the Rebels and Reds, then spent three years in the Japanese Top League before joining the Brumbies this season.

Neville arrived in Canberra just over a week before his club debut against Queensland in round one, and despite his lack of lead in time, the towering second rower made an immediate impact, playing in all six of the Brumbies games before the COVID-19 shutdown.

The Manly product brings plenty of height and stature to the Brumbies pack and will be a key figure for the side moving forward, with young locks Darcy Swain and Nick Frost continuing their development at Super Rugby level.

Neville’s signing follows last week’s announcement that winger Tom Wright has extended his stay with the Brumbies until the end of the 2021 season.

Neville said he was just getting started in the nation’s capital and was excited about the future of the Brumbies.

“I feel like I’ve only just started scratching the surface here, so I’m really excited to see what the team can achieve here over the next couple of years,” said Neville.

“Having been away for a few years, it’s been nice to be home in Australia and my family and I have settled into life in Canberra really well.

“I’ve been really impressed with everyone in the organisation and I believe we’re capable of some really good things, which made it an easy decision to stay.”

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said he was happy that Neville was sticking with the club and that his best rugby is still in front of him.

“Keeping Cadeyrn at the club was a top priority for us so we’re delighted he’ll be sticking around,” said McKellar.

“He was outstanding for us this season pre-COVID, particularly that last game against the Waratahs where you could tell he was getting comfortable within our structures.

“He hasn’t had a full preseason with us yet and we feel Caderyn’s best footy lays in front of him at the Brumbies and also as he pushes for higher honours. 

“In Super Rugby, you need guys with his experience to help drive standards and to help the young guys coming through, so for guys like Darcy and Nick, having a real pro like Cadeyrn to work with is crucial, on and off the field.”

Cadeyrn Neville player profile

• Position: Lock
• Date of Birth: 9/11/1988 (age: 31)
• Place of Birth: Manly, NSW
• Height: 202cm
• Weight: 120kg
• School: Manly High School, Sydney, NSW
• Brumby Number: 223
• Super Rugby Debut: 2012 v Bulls, Melbourne (Rebels)
• Super Rugby Caps: 71
• Super Rugby Points: 25 (5t)
• ACT Club: Uni-Norths Owls