Harry Lloyd set for Canberra return on Brumbies deal

The ACT Brumbies have signed Wests junior Lloyd to bolster their front-row stocks for the 2020 campaign, with the deal to be announced on Friday morning.

Lloyd left the capital two years ago to join the Western Force in the world series rugby competition started by billionaire Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest.

"When Harry told me he was going to the Force, we said we'd look at trying to get him back," said Brumbies coach Dan McKellar.

"We've kept an eye on him. He's good at the set piece, mobile and dynamic. He gives us really good depth and coverage in that loosehead position, and it's a Canberra boy coming home."

Lloyd is the first of several players the Brumbies are set to sign in the coming weeks as McKellar finalises his squad for 2020.

Prop Vunipola Fifita will play for Tonga at the World Cup, which means he will leave the Brumbies because he doesn't qualify as an Australian player.

McKellar is also looking to recruit another front-rower, a lock and a back as well as development players.

Former St Edmund's College student Lloyd has spent the past two years in Perth and is keen to launch his Brumbies career.

"I am very excited about moving back to Canberra and joining the Brumbies," Lloyd said.

"... [It's] a dream come true. I have enjoyed my two seasons with the Force and have learned a lot."

The bulk of the Brumbies squad is playing for the Canberra Vikings in the National Rugby Championship, but Lloyd will finish his commitments with the Western Force before returning home.

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A new breed of Brumbies will start next season after the departure of key players in the off-season, including David Pocock, Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight and Sam Carter.

McKellar will turn to new players to step up as leaders, and Lloyd will work with Wallabies loosehead duo James Slipper and Scott Sio to master the dark arts of the scrum.

The Brumbies will start their Super Rugby season with a clash against the Queensland Reds on January 31.