How playing overseas changed Jesse Mogg's game ahead of second Brumbies stint

After six years in France, former Wallaby Jesse Mogg has returned to the Brumbies ahead of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.

In what is undoubtedly exciting news for rugby fans in Australia’s capital, Mogg has reportedly signed a two year deal with the club.

At his first stint at the Brumbies, the talented fullback made 60 appearances for the club, which included a Super Rugby Final in 2013. In that same year, he made his Test debut in the green and gold against the British and Irish Lions.

The winners and losers of the 2021 All Blacks season

The winners and losers of the 2021 All Blacks season

After playing his final match for the Brumbies during his first stint at the club, Mogg moved to France to play for Montpellier. After a successful period there, the now 32-year-old played a few seasons with Pau before returning to Canberra.

But upon his return to the Brumbies, Mogg told media this week that there might be more to his game because of his time playing overseas.

“I think my knowledge of the game has changed a little bit overseas. The rugby is a lot different so I’ve sort of expanded my knowledge of the game,” Mogg said.

“I’ve still got a little bit of speed left so hopefully that running rugby and just that skill level probably.

“I think a lot of people here know me as a sort of kicking player but I think being overseas you sort of learn both running and occupation so hopefully that’s what I can bring.”

But despite being away from Australian rugby for years, Mogg also said that he always planned on returning to the Brumbies at some point.

“It was something I’ve always wanted to do. When I left, I always wanted to come back here at home point.

“I guess the decision was easy once the opportunity was there. And I’m looking hopefully to make the most of it.”

While the Brumbies did make the playoffs in Moggs last season before leaving for France, the club has gone from strength to strength over the last few years in particular.

Not only did the club win a Super Rugby AU title in 2020, but young players such as Noah Lolesio and Len Ikitau have the club well and truly headed in the right direction.

As Mogg commented on, “a lots changed” at the Brumbies since he was last at the club, with only a small group of player still playing compared to the squad he last played with.

“The biggest thing that I’m probably a little bit different where I am, where I was sort of six years ago. The group’s a lot younger, obviously and a lot of enthusiasm.

‘Do you know what the ironic thing was? The guy that tested positive [initially] for the lat flow was negative the next day. He wasn’t even a positive case.’ #baabaas https://t.co/PZvfwwo1r4

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“But it’s great being back in Canberra and great being back at the Brumbies.”

He also admitted that he doesn’t “really know a lot of the players” ahead of the new season.

“There’s sort of a lot of young guys,” Mogg said.

“The dynamic of the group is definitely a lot different to when I was here six years ago. Not saying it’s any worse or better but the dynamics are just definitely different.”

Brumbies prop Tom Ross is one of the many players who Mogg will get the chance to play alongside for the first time in 2022.

The 23-year-old is coming off a New Zealand provincial campaign with the Southland Stags which he seemed to both enjoy and learn a lot from.

“Yeah I’ve only had a couple of weeks off and then straight back into the deep end here in Canberra,” Ross said.

“It’s good to be back around the boys again and you know, I’ve missed them over the last five months. So it’s good to run around with them again and enjoy the Canberra weather.

“Yeah it was good. I mean, it was a different experience for myself.

“I’ve never lived out of home so it was definitely an eye opener for me.

“They’re a good bunch over there. I learned a lot around my game, around myself as a person as well. So I feel like the experience was definitely worthwhile.”