Brumbies' coach Andy Friend isn't hiding his excitement at securing Wallabies' playmaking great Stephen Larkham to mentor his Super 15 rugby team's attack.

Larkham, 36, is to return to the Brumbies on a two-year assistant coaching deal after completing his third playing season with Japanese club Ricoh Black Rams.

A veteran of 96 Tests, 1999 World Cup winner Larkham will be joined on the coaching staff by fellow newcomers and former Brumbies Justin Harrison (forwards) and Marco Caputo (scrums).

"Steve's credentials as a player are second to none and he is renowned as being one of the playing masterminds of the modern game," Friend said.

He expected Larkham would help ensure the Brumbies produced some of the exhilarating rugby that thrilled crowds when he played 116 games for the franchise from 1996 to 2007.

"He's always had an attacking mentality as a player and it will excite a large majority of the Brumbies' faithful to see him returning to the club for 2011," said Friend.

Former Wallabies' lock Harrison, a renowned lineout technician, finished a controversy-marked playing career with a last season at the Brumbies earlier this year and stays on as a mentor.

"Justin has always been a leader within the sides he's played for," said Friend.

"He brings with him an incredible amount of intellectual property and a tremendous enthusiasm."

Former hooker Caputo, who played five tests for Australia, will take over from Bill Young in developing the Brumbies' scrum expertise after being his deputy last season.

Tony Rea stays on as defence coach.

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