“Scott Sio’s no stranger to being in Wallabies camp. But this time it’s different, the 30-year-old comes into the Australian squad without a domestic team as his 11-year career with the Brumbies has ended,” writes sport columnist SIMON ANDERSON.

WITH 69 Tests to his name, Scott Sio is no stranger to being in Wallabies camp. 

He is the fourth most-capped player in the 35-man squad that was named at the start of June ahead of a three-Test series against England in July.

This time around it is different for the 30-year-old, who comes into the Australian squad without a domestic team as an 11-year career with the Brumbies ended after they were eliminated from the Super Rugby Pacific finals.

Sio told “CityNews” it was sad to come to the end of his time with the Canberra team.

“I spent my entire twenties in Canberra and I have grown to really love the place,” said Sio.

“The Brumbies will always hold a special place in my heart, but all good things must come to an end.”

Sio is one of four players leaving the Brumbies this season, including fullback Tom Banks and hooker Folau Fainga’a – who are also in Wallabies camp – and centre Irae Simone.

Sio describes the end of a partnership that has spanned beyond a decade as something that “naturally happened”.

“At some point the organisation has to make business decisions and move forward with what they want to do,” said Sio

“The timing was probably right in that regard. 

“As a player and a person I need to challenge myself in a different environment. 

“For my personal growth away from rugby a new environment is probably something that is needed – I haven’t quite nailed down where that is yet but I am looking forward to what the future holds.”

As well as his 69 Tests for Australia, Sio finished his time at the club as just the fourth Brumby to reach 140 Super Rugby Games. 

When an opportunity at a new club presents itself, the team that secures Sio’s services will be getting a player that not only has more experience than most in Australian rugby, but also one who is still performing on the field.

“I am playing good, consistent footy and it was good to do that for the Brums in my last season and finish on a good note in that regard,” said Sio.

“I was just nailing what I needed to do in terms of my role in the team.

“If I can transfer that to the international level and get another opportunity to represent Australia that would be unreal, and I would make the most of it. If I don’t take part in this series I will do whatever I can to contribute to the team in the best way I can.”

Sio’s experience will be invaluable as the Wallabies prepare for the series with England that kicks off on July 2 in Perth, before matches in Brisbane and Sydney. 

Fifteen members of coach Dave Rennie’s squad come from the Brumbies, giving players only three weeks between their heartbreaking loss to the Blues that ended their Super Rugby Pacific season, and the first match against England.

“We are pretty pressed for time, and we didn’t get a whole lot of time off but that is the nature of the game,” said Sio.

“There has been pretty good vibes with some long days trying to get as much as we can in, but the boys have been really good, the energy is really great – we are ready to rip in.”

Sio says with age, and sticking around the national squad long enough, he has “fallen into” the senior player role for the Wallabies, taking some of the younger forwards under his wing.

“Everyone plays their part and is a piece of the puzzle, and I am looking to contribute in any way I can if that helps the leadership group out.

“Everyone has their own journey and builds their own routine and the best thing we can do as senior players is suggest things and impart some wisdom to see if it is going to benefit them in the long run.

“Also keep competing. The basis of building a team’s competitiveness is how well you can compete with each other.

“We’re into the third year of Dave Rennie’s tenure and have a good hold on what he wants to achieve.

“We know it is going to be tough coming up against England but we are excited, and if that doesn’t get you excited as a fan I don’t know what will.”