Brumbies bring in SA-born scrumhalf
Sydney Rays player Roos comes into the squad to provide competition for the No.9 jersey following the injury suffered by Tomas Cubelli during the trial match with the Waratahs in Mudgee.
"We have been looking at our options in the number nine position since it was confirmed that we would lose Tomas for an extended period of time," head coach Stephen Larkham said.
"The signing of Dewet will provide additional competition at scrumhalf. With two young players in Joe Powell and Ryan Lonergan in that area we felt the need to bring in a more mature option, an older head who can provide some game experience and help the progression of our young talent."
Having been born in South Africa, Roos moved to Australia at the age of 12 and started his rugby career with junior club the Sylvania Bulldogs.
Upon signing for the Southern Districts club at senior level, Roos gradually moved through their ranks into the first grade squad and was part of the team that was defeated in the 2014 Shute Shield Grand Final by Eastwood.
Selected for the Western Sydney Rams for the 2015 National Rugby Championship Roos excelled and his string of fine performances led to a call up the Australian Barbarians team that toured New Zealand in the latter part of 2015.
"I am delighted to be joining the Brumbies and look forward to helping the team achieve their goals in 2017," Roos said.
"It is fantastic to get a chance to be a part of such a well-renowned organisation. The Brumbies have a reputation and culture in the rugby community that is second to none and I am excited by the prospect of being able to play my part in the Super Rugby season."
Last season Roos moved to the Sydney Rays and scored two tries whilst again impressing during the campaign.
Most recently Roos was scrumhalf for the Australian Barbarians side that provided the opposition for the Brumbies first trial match of the season, the 59-0 success at Viking Park, Erindale.
Meanwhile, Messages of support have flooded into the Brumbies offices following the tragic news of the death of former Brumbies star Dan Vickerman on the weekend.
Brumbies social media was inundated with tributes to the amiable Vickerman following the shock news of his passing. Tributes from the team were led by Larkham who played at Super Rugby and international level with Vickerman.
"It's very sad and tragic news and my heart goes out to Sarah and the kids," Larkham said.
"Dan was a well-respected individual in the rugby community and someone that the players looked up to. He was uncompromising and consistent and was certainly one of my favourite players to play with.
"At our pre-season camp when we asked the group to select their greatest ever Brumbies team, Dan polled on a number of the lists which shows the respect in which he was regarded."
Brumbies CEO Michael Thomson echoed Larkham's words about the player who donned the Brumbies jersey on 32 occasions.
"The loss of Dan is a real tragedy," Thomson commented. "He was a respected man both on and off the rugby field and his loss has been felt within the rugby community in Canberra.
"We would urge anyone who is having challenges in their life to seek appropriate support."
Former Brumbies and Australia wing Joe Roff was one of a number of high-profile players to pay their respects to their former teammate.
"It's shocking, certainly here at the Brumbies we believe in that notion of it being a family and we've lost a genuine member of the family who made a genuine contribution to rugby here," Roff told the Canberra Times.
"He was a great guy, very serious, very dedicated, very strong on values and his love for his family and team.
"He was an intelligent but hard footballer, and had all the attributes that made him a world class rugby player and a great member of the team. It's just very sad."
Vickerman passed away at his family home in Sydney on Saturday evening. He was just 37 years of age.
