It's back to the future for the Queensland Reds.
Days after signing ex-Reds utility back Ben Lucas, coach Brad Thorn confirmed another former Queensland player Jono Lance had joined for the 2018 Super Rugby season to bolster their backline stocks.
Lance, 27, had been expected to ignite Melbourne at five-eighth this season after leaving the now defunct Western Force and initially signing with the Rebels for 2018.
But the two-time Super Rugby title winner surprised many when he drove into Reds training at Ballymore on Monday after inking a one season deal.
Thorn is assembling a new-look backline after telling star halves Quade Cooper and Nick Frisby they were not in his 2018 plans despite the pair being contracted to the Reds until the end of next year.
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And fullback Karmichael Hunt looks set to be sacked if he is found guilty of two charges of drug possession when he fronts court on January 29.
In a bid to provide a fresh Reds spark, Thorn has responded by turning to a couple of old Queensland heads.
Despite battling a broken hand, Lance - part of Queensland's 2011 title winning side - is still expected to slot into fullback for Hunt this season with young gun Hamish Stewart set to star at No.10.
Lance will reportedly try to link with English club Worcester after the 2018 Super Rugby season.
For now he is simply savouring returning to Ballymore.
"I spent a lot of time at Ballymore in the early stages of my career so it was a great feeling to be driving back through the gates again," Lance said.
"It's been an interesting last couple of weeks but is a super exciting to be back.
"And with Ben Lucas returning last week everything seems to be pointing in the right direction."
Lance earned 21 Reds caps from 2011-13 before joining NSW Waratahs where he savoured a 2014 title and spent the last two seasons at Western Force before a short stint with English Premiership side Worcester.
"Everyone in world rugby knows the kind of guy Brad Thorn is so going to work with him is definitely exciting," Lance said.
"His background and toughness and the way he goes about things ... I am looking forward to what happens in the next few weeks."
Thorn welcomed Lance as they prepared for their first pre-season gig - a February 2 opposed session at Ballymore.
"Jono is a great addition to the squad. He's well known as a good bloke and a tough footballer," he said.
"He'll bring plenty of experience and smarts to the backline."
