Why ACT Brumbies back Jesse Mogg returns to Super Rugby Pacific a more complete package

But the 32-year-old says he returns for his second stint with the ACT Brumbies as a more complete package as he looks to force his way into a Wallaby-laden backline.

Mogg is in the midst of his first Brumbies pre-season in more than six years after linking up with the Super Rugby Pacific outfit following stints overseas with Montpellier and Section Paloise.

He returns to Canberra as a key piece in the club's targeted recruitment of experienced campaigners designed to help the Brumbies compete against Super Rugby's benchmark teams.

"My knowledge of the game has changed. Overseas, the rugby is a lot different. I've expanded my knowledge of the game," Mogg said.

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"I've still got a little bit of speed left so hopefully [I bring] that running rugby and just that skill level I've always continued to work on. I'm a little bit more rounded as a player. I think a lot of people here know me as a kicking player but being overseas, you learn both.

"The first couple of months [overseas] was a bit of a struggle, culturally, the language, but also the rugby is a lot different. Once you find your groove and you fit into the group, it's a little bit easier.

"My first three years I was at Montpellier and we had a really strong squad. We had a lot of internationals. Learning different cultures, learning different ways people see the game, has helped myself."

Mogg would have to unseat the likes of Tom Banks, Tom Wright and Andy Muirhead for a start in the back three for the club's Super Rugby Pacific opener which is scheduled for February 18 in Auckland against Moana Pasifika.

Rugby officials on both sides of the Tasman are drafting contingency plans in case New Zealand's border restrictions force clubs to relocate or the fixture to be overhauled.

"Everyone at the moment is really putting their foot forward. The more experience you have, hopefully that will translate onto the field," Mogg said.

"It's a really good group, really skilful group, really fit and fast group. Over the next six weeks hopefully we push each other a little bit more and just get better each day.

"Pre-seasons are renowned for being quite gruesome and long but I think the dynamic of the coaching group has changed, a lot of skill focus. It's been really good. Hopefully I can get better myself and the group is looking to really change on a collective level."

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