​Disgraced former Bath Rugby lock Justin Harrison will return to the game in the colours of the Brumbies in the new year.

The 35-year-old Australian was suspended for eight months for taking cocaine during Bath’s now infamous end-of-season party in London in May.

He retired from the game when he terminated his Bath contract ahead of an internal club investigation but made a u-turn after heading back Down Under and has signed a one-year deal with the team he left six years ago.

"I've made mistakes during my career but the next 12 months is a chance for me to rectify my professional reputation," said Harrison, who will be free to play from January 13, 2010.

"After finishing up with Bath, I sat down and ranked the countries and clubs I wanted to play with.

"I listed the Brumbies at number one even though it was an unlikely scenario at the time."

"There's no question that the faith that (Brumbies CEO) Andrew Fagan and (coach) Andrew Friend have shown in me is extremely humbling.

"In a very dark and tumultuous time, to be given that sort of character endorsement was paramount to me being able to lift my games and once again dream of playing with the Brumbies."