The ACT Brumbies will work with Pat McCabe to develop an off-field role at the club to ease his post-playing transition, but coach Stephen Larkham is preparing to go into the 2015 Super Rugby season with just 31 players.
The Brumbies will pay out the remaining season of McCabe's contract after the hard-nosed utility was forced to prematurely retire after breaking his neck for the third time in less than two years.
McCabe is considering an off-field job at the Brumbies, which could include some coaching duties, as he prepares for life after rugby at just 26 years old.
His injury-forced absence means the Brumbies will go into next year with just 31 players and Larkham admits it will be impossible to replace McCabe's Test and Super Rugby versatility.
The Brumbies used 37 players this year before they were knocked out in the semi-finals.
But changes to the ARU's extended player squad program will force the Brumbies to reduce their squad, which threatens to impact on the club's depth.
"We've got a talented local competition and we're keen to draw out of that, they might get a chance," Larkham said.
"Pat's lucky to walk away from the game, but he's got a year left on his contract and that will help with his transition to go into the real world."
McCabe will finish his law-commerce university degree next year, but will juggle that with his Brumbies duties.
McCabe has been heavily involved in opposition review and preview sessions in recent seasons and could take that on as a permanent role.
"I think it would make it a smoother transition to the next stage of life, rather than cutting myself off from the team," McCabe said.
"It would be so stark from being at the Brumbies every day to never going back. Hopefully I can find a role that I can really contribute to the team and the Brumbies performing well.
"But to be too hands-on with the team would be tough with not being able to play."
Larkham paid tribute to McCabe's short career of 66 Super Rugby games and 24 Tests for Australia.
Despite breaking his neck in November 2012 and June last year, McCabe somehow hit career-best form this year to earn a recall to the Wallabies.
"Pat was always aggressive and super tough," Larkham said.
"He's a world-class player, he was at the top of his game so it's sad to see this happen. He gave everything he could.
"He had a remarkable year this year. I'm sure he's thought of retirement a number of times, it's been a tough road and he pushed through a lot of mental barriers."
McCabe played in all five of the Wallabies' Tests this year and Australian coach Ewen McKenzie said: "I had a neck injury in my career that lingered on and I know that it was hard for him to get back on the field, it was an outstanding effort.
"I commend him for the impact he's had this year, it's been terrific [and] that's why he [was] back in the Wallabies jersey."
New Brumbies captain Stephen Moore rated McCabe as one of the toughest players he's seen.
"Patty's one of the most courageous players I've played with. To come back from the injuries he's had is huge," Moore said.
"He gave it everything he possibly could. We're proud of him and as a club we'll do whatever we can to surround him with support for whatever he does next."
