Jump to content

ACT Brumbies

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Brumbies)
For the feral horse, see Brumby.

ACT Brumbies
UnionRugby Australia
(ACT and Southern NSW)
Founded1995; 29 years ago (1995)
LocationCanberra, ACT, Australia
RegionAustralian Capital Territory, Southern New South Wales
Ground(s)GIO Stadium (Capacity: 25,011)
Coach(es)Stephen Larkham
Captain(s)Allan Alaalatoa
League(s)Super Rugby Pacific
2024Semi-finalists
3rd overall
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.brumbies.com.au

The ACT Brumbies[1] (known from 2005 to 2022 as simply the Brumbies) is an Australian professional rugby union team based in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), The team competes in Super Rugby and named for the feral horses which inhabit the capital's hinterland. The team represents the ACT, as well as the Far South Coast and Southern Inland regions of New South Wales (NSW).[2]

The Brumbies were formed in 1996 to provide a third Australian franchise for the newly formed Super 12 (now Super Rugby) competition. It was predicted that the Brumbies, made up of so-called 'rejects' – players not wanted by the other two teams – would perform poorly.[3] Since then, they have enjoyed more success than all the other Australian teams combined, reaching seven finals and winning three. The Brumbies are traditionally known for their strong tactical kicking, set piece play, ball retention, and pressuring of opponents in their own half.[4] The Brumbies are one of only two Super Rugby teams to win 200 games.[5]

The Brumbies play in navy blue, white and gold kits. The team plays at Canberra Stadium (formerly known as Bruce Stadium) in Canberra, and are currently coached by Stephen Larkham.

History

[edit]
Brumbies previous headquarters in Griffith, Australian Capital Territory.
See also: Rugby union in the Australian Capital Territory § History

Early years of rugby in ACT

[edit]

Rugby union football has a long history in the region around what is now Canberra. The British Isles opened their 1899 tour of Australia with a match in Goulburn. However, it was not until 1937 that the ACT Rugby Union (ACTRU) was finally established.[6] Lieutenant-Colonel H. C. H. Robertson was the first President of the ACTRU.[7]

The First Grade competition was started on 30 April 1938.[6] Four clubs playing in the inaugural season: University, Easts, the Royal Military College (RMC), and Norths.[8] There were strict eligibility rules for each of the four teams:[6]

Also in 1938, a representative ACT side faced off against the All Blacks, with Frank Hassett scoring the ACT's only try in a 5–56 loss.[10]

Five ACT players were chosen for New South Wales Country in their 1966 match against the British & Irish Lions at Manuka Oval:[11]

The first international victory for the ACT was in 1973, when they defeated Tonga 17–6 after trailing 0–3 at half time. The ACT team were praised for their hard work, stamina, and willingness to take shots at goal when they were on offer.[12] In 1978, the ACT defeated Wales, who were Five Nations champions at the time, with a late penalty goal to win 21–20 after trailing 6–16 at half time. Head coach Colin Maxwell explained that his team beat the best team in the world by being "the first team in Australia to take them on up the guts", with the ACT forwards starving the Welsh of possession and the team ensuring territorial advantage through pressure on the Welsh kickers.[13] Tactical kicking, ball retention, and pressuring opponents in their own half are still considered to be "The Brumbies' ... traditional strength[s]".[4]

The ACT adopted the name 'Kookaburras' in 1989.[14] The Kookaburras defeated the Waratahs 44–28 at Sydney's Concord Oval in 1994. The Waratahs team was filled with international representatives, which made the Kookaburras win all the more impressive, and led the way for the ACT becoming a professional franchise. Concerns over player depth in the ACT were assuaged when the ACT reserve team beat the New South Wales reserve team.[15]

The ACT Brumbies was formally established on 9 December 1995 in Jindabyne, Southern New South Wales and became Australia's third provincial team with the start of Super Rugby.[16][17]

Super 12 era: 1996–2005

[edit]

In the inaugural Super 12 season, under coach Rod Macqueen, the Brumbies finished fifth on the table after the regular season, narrowly missing out on a finals position. The following season was even more successful as the Brumbies entered the 1997 Super 12 Final, but lost to the Auckland Blues.[citation needed]

Eddie Jones took over as head coach in 1998, but the Brumbies fell to tenth place on the 1998 season ladder. However, the following season saw a big improvement, as they finished fifth for the second time in their Super rugby history, just missing out on the finals. In 2000, the Brumbies made it to the 2000 Super 12 Final for the second time, and were actually hosting it as well. They were however beaten by the Crusaders, losing 19 to 20.[citation needed]

In 2001 they backed up their good performance in 2000 to again enter the final, this time against the Sharks from Durban. The Brumbies won the match, and in doing so, became the first team outside of New Zealand to be crowned Super 12 champions (and the only such team in the Super 12 era; the Bulls of South Africa won the 2007 Super 14). That year the British Lions also came to Australia, and played a match against the Brumbies. The combined strength of four nations was pitted against the Brumbies Second XV with the tourists winning by just two points, 30 to 28.[citation needed]

David Nucifora took over as head coach at the Brumbies for the 2002 season. Under Nucifora the Brumbies entered their third Super 12 final in a row, again against the Crusaders who had defeated them in the 2000 final. The Crusaders won the match, 31 to 13. The following season, going for four straight final appearances, the Brumbies fell just short, being knocked out in the semi-finals by the Blues. They did however go on to beat Fiji and Tonga later that year.[citation needed]

In 2004 the Brumbies finished at the top of the Super 12 table, six points clear of the next best team. The Brumbies hosted the 2004 Super 12 Final as well, and were to face the Crusaders once again. Though this time, the Brumbies won, 47 to 38 in front of a record crowd at Canberra Stadium. During the off-season the ACT Rugby Union was renamed the ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union, and the name of the team was changed to Brumbies Rugby.[citation needed]

Laurie Fisher took over as coach for the 2005 season. After an undefeated run in the early stages of the season, injuries began to mount up and the Brumbies eventually finished fifth, missing out on the finals. The following year the competition was expanded to the Super 14, introducing one new team from Australia and one new team from South Africa.[citation needed]

Super 14 era: 2006–2010

[edit]
Brumbies vs Waratahs, April 2006

In 2006 the Brumbies finished sixth, missing out on the finals by 1 point, having never dropped out of the top four all season prior to the last round. Later that year the Brumbies played in the inaugural Australian Provincial Championship (APC). In their opening game they defeated the NSW Waratahs 14–13 at Viking Park. This win snapped a 3-game losing streak against their traditional rivals. They then went on to defeat the Western Force 25–10, again at Viking Park. Despite narrowly losing, 20–19, to the Queensland Reds on the road in Brisbane, the Brumbies won the right to face the Reds in the final back in Viking Park. They won this more comfortably, 42–17, securing the inaugural APC.[citation needed]

The side failed to make the playoffs at all during Super 14, though they never finished lower than ninth.

Super Rugby era: 2011–present

[edit]

After a succession of coaches over the same period, including Laurie Fisher, Andy Friend and Tony Rea, former South Africa coach Jake White took over as coach of the side in April 2011, signing a four-year deal with the club.[18] However, he was granted a release from his contract in September 2013, with two years left on his four-year contract.[19]

In 2012, the Brumbies became the first Australian Super Rugby team to host an international fixture against a touring side. On 12 June, the Brumbies played Wales at Canberra Stadium while Wales was on their 2012 Summer tour. Wales won 25–15.

The Brumbies returned to form in the 2012, finishing second in the Australian conference, and seventh in the overall standings, narrowly missing the final-six and a place in the quarter finals.

In 2013, the Brumbies and the other Australian super rugby teams played the British & Irish Lions as part of the Lions' 2013 tour to Australia. The Brumbies earned a hard-fought 14–12 victory, the first defeat of the Lions on their tour.[20]

The Brumbies continued their strong performances in 2013 by finishing first in the Australian conference and 3rd on the ladder to make their first finals appearance since they won the Super title in 2004. After defeating the Cheetahs in a close home final 15 – 13, the Brumbies travelled to Pretoria to face the Bulls and again achieved victory, 23–26. The team had to travel from South Africa to New Zealand to meet the Waikato Chiefs for the championship final the following week, and the Chiefs proved to be too strong, winning the final 27–22.

Following the end of the Super Rugby season the Brumbies sent a squad captained by Robbie Coleman to the invitational World Club 7s in England. The Brumbies won the series, defeating the Auckland Blues 17–14 in the final. Henry Speight was named the player of the tournament.[21]

During the 2017 Super Rugby season, the Brumbies were one of three Australian franchises threatened with contraction when the Australian Rugby Union prevailed upon competition organiser SANZAAR to reduce the number of Australian sides in the competition from five to four after that season. The ARU later announced that the Brumbies would remain in the competition.[22]

Colours and name

[edit]
Brumbies and Southern Inland Rugby Union office in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.
ACT Brumbies logo, used between 1996 and 2004.

The Brumbies traditional colours are navy blue, white and gold. Their primary jersey is navy with gold trim, with navy shorts and socks. The alternate jersey is gold and yellow, generally worn for away matches. The Brumbies also have a traditional jersey which is used for games against fellow Australian Super 12 foundation teams NSW and Queensland, which reflects the original home jersey worn between 1996 and 2005. This features a navy 'saddle' across the shoulders and white below chest level, with gold trim.[citation needed] The primary jersey sponsor is Safeguard Global, who signed a 3-year deal as naming rights sponsor of both men's and women's teams starting in 2023.

The team is named after the feral horses which inhabit Canberra's hinterland. The Brumbies mascot is Brumby Jack, with his counterpart Brumby Jill joining as a co-mascot in the 2010s. The Brumbies were originally known as the ACT Brumbies when they were accepted into the Super 12 for its inaugural season in 1996. Shortly after the 2004 season, two regional governing bodies in New South Wales – Far South Coast Rugby Union and Southern Inland Rugby Union, joined the ACT Rugby Union, which then renamed itself the ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union.[23] The team adopted a new name and logo for the 2005 season, dropping the "ACT" to become known simply as "The Brumbies". The name change identified that the team represented an area much larger than the Australian Capital Territory – with "Brumbies Territory" incorporating a number of regions through southern New South Wales including the Riverina, Shoalhaven, and Southern Highlands as well as the Sunraysia region incorporating parts of Victoria.[24]

Shirt sponsors and manufacturers

[edit]
Period Kit manufacturer Major Sponsor Other Jersey Sponsors Shorts Sponsor
1996 Classic[25] Canberra Milk[25] n/a n/a
1997–1998 CA
1999–2000 Canterbury[26]   CA[26] n/a
2001–2002 AAMI[27]
2003   n/a [28]
2004   CA[29] Liberty Financial [30]
2005 Liberty Financial
2006 ISC[31]
2007–2009 DHL[32] Navy[33]
2010–2011 Kooga[34] SG Fleet
2012 University of Canberra[35] DHL, SG Fleet [34] All Homes [34]
2013 BLK[35] Land Rover,[36] SG Fleet
2014 Classic[37]
2015 Aquis Group[38]
2016 Canberra Milk [39]
2017 Plus500[40] Aquis Group, Land Rover[37] Aquis Group
2018 Austbrokers [41]
2019 O'Neills Civium [42]
2020 Land Rover, SG Fleet, Poplars Vodafone[43]
2021 SG Fleet, TAB, University of Canberra All Homes[44]
2022 Ray White DXC
2023 Safeguard Global ACT Government, Allhomes, O'Neills, SG Fleet, Shaw and Partners,

TAB, Tiparra, University of Canberra

2024 ACT Government, Allhomes, SG Fleet, Tiparra, University of Canberra DXC, O'Neills, Shaw and Partners

Stadium

[edit]
Canberra Stadium, the home of the Brumbies
Main article: Canberra Stadium

The Brumbies play all their home fixtures at Canberra Stadium, located adjacent to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. They share the ground with the Canberra Raiders rugby league team. Also, the Canberra Vikings, the Brumbies' affiliate in the short-lived Australian Rugby Championship, played one of their four regular-season home matches there. In 2003 matches from the 2003 Rugby World Cup were played at the stadium. Capacity is a nominal all-seated 25,011, however the largest crowd is actually 28,753, which was for the 2004 Super 12 Final. The Brumbies team did not use Canberra Stadium for their post-season APC games, instead taking their home fixtures to Canberra's Viking Park, which has a smaller capacity.

Rivalries

[edit]

New South Wales Waratahs

[edit]
See also: Dan Vickerman Cup

The Brumbies have traditionally had a fierce rivalry with the NSW Waratahs. Ascendency in the rivalry is now formally recognised by holding the Dan Vickerman Cup.[45] The Brumbies are currently on a thirteen-game winning streak against the Waratahs.[46]

In July 1994, before the formation of the Brumbies, the Canberra Kookaburras defeated the Waratahs 44–28 at Concord Oval in Sydney.[47] The 1994 Waratahs side was otherwise unbeaten, but had missed an opportunity to compete for the 1994 Super 10 title due to a refusal to tour Apartheid South Africa.[48] As a result, the Brumbies were the only team to beat the 1994 Waratahs.

The original Brumbies team was primarily made of players from the 1994 Kookaburras game, Waratahs 'rejects', and Queenslanders: all groups with reasons to dislike the Waratahs.[47] Brisbane-born Brumby Troy Coker summed it up with "There was this entitlement thing around NSW rugby that the Canberra boys had a real distaste for."[47] Ironically, despite being a team of 'rejects', the Brumbies have been the most successful Australian team in all competitions in the Super Rugby era.

Traditionally, the ACT-NSW rivalry was dominated by home victories (The only Brumbies away loss in the 2000 Season was against the Waratahs), with only two away victories in the Super 12 era, and none in the Super 14 era. The first away win in the rivalry came in the 2002 Semi Final, which the Brumbies won 51–10 at Sydney Football Stadium. The Waratahswon the first regular season away game in 2005. Dan Vickerman played for the winning team in both victories.

Since 2011, home dominance is no longer as significant: the first clash in the Super 15 era saw the Waratahswin 29–22 at Canberra Stadium, with the Brumbies getting revenge the following year with a 19–15 victory at the Sydney Football Stadium. Between the round 12 clash in 2015 and the round 17 clash in 2019, the homes team lost six of the seven games.

The Waratahs got revenge for the 2002 Semi Final in the 2014 Semi Final, which they won 26–8. In the absence of Dave Dennis (their regular captain), the Waratahs were captained by Michael Hooper, who was named the Brumbies' best forward only two years earlier.[49]

Brumbies fans took a lot of joy from beating the Waratahs 40–31 in the final round of 2018, as this prevented the Waratahs from finishing 2nd on the overall table. Daryl Gibson, head coach of the Waratahs, exclaimed that his side "was not focused on the job at hand, and getting ahead of itself in terms of already being in next week".[50] Brumbies fans got additional joy from Gibson's post-match press conference, where he (incorrectly) claimed that the result did not affect the Waratahs playoffs picture.[51]

Since 2016, the Brumbies have dominated the rivalry between the sides, winning in all but one of the last 17 meetings.[52] The Brumbies' victory over the Waratahs in the last round of 2018 regular season kicked off their currently unbroken 13 match winning streak against their rivals. Despite the one-sided nature of the rivalry in recent years, the fixture has remained one of the most highly anticipated of the year for both teams.[53]

Crusaders

[edit]

The Brumbies have a historic rivalry with the Crusaders due to the two teams' predominance in early Super Rugby history. From 2010 to 2023, the Brumbies lost eleven games in a row against the Crusaders. In 2024, the Brumbies won their first game against the Crusaders in 15 years.[54]

Between 1997 and 2006, every Grand Final included at least one of the Brumbies or the Crusaders.[55] The two sides have met in three grand finals:

Former players and pundits likened the intensity of the clashes in the Super 12 and Super 14 era to Test match rugby, saying "It was basically the Wallabies v the All Blacks" and "Every time they met it was just great running rugby".[56]

In common with the Waratahs rivalry, the away side rarely won in encounters during the Super 12 and Super 14 era. The Brumbies are the only team to have scored 50 points against the Crusaders (when they beat them in 2001), and have recorded the highest ever score in a grand final against them (47 points in the 2004 final). However, the Brumbies did not win a game against the Crusaders between 2009 and 2024, taking only two out of a maximum forty-five competition points from games against the Crusaders in the 2010s. The Brumbies were rarely criticised for their poor record against the Crusaders since 2009. Throughout the Brumbies streak of eleven losses against the Crusaders, the Brumbies were generally competitive with the Crusaders, having been within a score in their 2013, 2017, and 2021 fixtures.

Despite a long losing streak, the Brumbies remain one of few sides to have a (relatively) competitive win–loss record against the Crusaders. At the end of the Super 14 era, the Brumbies' record against the Crusaders was eight wins in eighteen games (44%). As on 18 May 2024, that record was nine wins in thirty games (30%). At that time, only two other current Super Rugby teams have a higher win rate against the Crusaders: the Hurricanes (15/46, or 33%), and the Chiefs (20/51, or 39%).

Queensland Reds

[edit]
See also: Rod Macqueen Cup

The 2020 Super Rugby AU final was contested by the Brumbies and the Reds, with the Brumbies winning 28–23. The Reds only won one game between these teams in the first fifteen years of Super Rugby. The Reds have the only away win in this rivalry since 2015, beating the Brumbies 40–38 in Canberra in a great Australian derby[57] despite trailing 17-0 early in the game.[58] The fierce rivals contested the 2021 Super Rugby AU final later that year. In a rematch of the previous year's fixture The Reds prevailed 19–16. The Brumbies led for almost the entire match and spent the final 10 minutes desperately defending their own line before a try by the Reds' captain James O'Connor five minutes into injury time handed the Reds victory and avenged the previous year's defeat.[59]

The four years that Ewen McKenzie, who played for the Brumbies in Super 12, was coach of the Reds was considered the high water mark of the interstate rivalry. In 2010, 2012, and 2013, the Rod Macqueen Cup games decided whether either the Brumbies or the Reds made the playoff. In 2010, the Rod Macqueen Cup game was the difference between the Reds finishing 4th (in the playoffs) and 5th (not in the playoffs). In 2012 and 2013, if the losing team had won just one of the Rod Macqueen Cup games, they would have won the conference ahead of the other.

Development teams

[edit]

The Australian Capital Territory's two elite development squads just below full-time professional level are the Brumbies A and ACT Under 19 teams. These teams are closely aligned with the Brumbies and train at the same venue used by the Super Rugby squad. Many Brumbies players not involved in international rugby play for Canberra's team in the National Rugby Championship which also draws from the elite development squads. – See: Canberra Vikings

Brumbies A

[edit]

The Brumbies A team plays matches against interstate and international representative teams, and has also competed in tournaments such as the Pacific Rugby Cup. Known by various names including ACT A, ACT XV, Brumbies A, and Brumby Runners, the team is selected from the best emerging rugby talent in the ACT and Southern NSW. The squad is composed of Brumbies contracted players, extended training squad members, ACT Under 19s, and selected Premier Division club players.[60]

Under 19

[edit]

The Brumbies under 19 side plays in the URC competition. ACT teams played in the Southern States Tournament up until 2015 and also played occasional matches against other representative sides such as Pacific Rugby Cup teams. Prior to 2008, state colts teams at under 21 and under 21 age levels were fielded in national competitions. In 2018, an under 19 age limit was reinstated for the colts teams.

Honours

[edit]
International Provincial
Competition Winner Runner Up
Super Rugby 2001, 2004 1997, 2000, 2002, 2013
Australian Conference 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 2012, 2014, 2016
Australian Provincial
Competition Winner Runner Up
Super Rugby AU 2020 2021
Australian Provincial Championship 2006
Ricoh National Championship 1999 2000
International 7s
Competition Winner Runner Up
World Club 7s 2013
International 10s
Competition Winner Runner Up
World Club 10s 2014, 2016

Season standings

[edit]
Super 12 Super 14 Super Rugby COVID-affected seasons
Year Competition Table Position Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points +/- Bonus Points Try Bonus Points Loss Bonus Points Total Points Finals Notes
1996 Super 12 season 5th 11 7 0 4 306 273 +33 4 4 0 32 Missed finals on tiebreakers (bonus points)
1997 Super 12 season 2nd 11 8 0 3 406 291 +115 9 9 0 41 Lost final to Blues
1998 Super 12 season 10th 11 3 0 8 248 364 −166 5 3 2 17
1999 Super 12 season 5th 11 5 0 6 278 195 +83 8 3 5 28 Missed finals on head-to-head with Crusaders
2000 Super 12 season 1st 11 9 0 2 393 196 +197 9 7 2 45 Lost final to Crusaders
2001 Super 12 season 1st 11 8 0 3 348 204 +144 8 6 2 40 Defeated Sharks in final
2002 Super 12 season 3rd 11 7 0 4 374 230 +144 10 7 3 38 Lost final to Crusaders
2003 Super 12 season 4th 11 6 0 5 358 313 +45 7 5 2 31 Lost semi-final to Blues
2004 Super 12 season 1st 11 8 0 3 408 269 +139 8 8 0 40 Defeated Crusaders in final
2005 Super 12 season 5th 11 5 1 5 260 266 −6 7 5 2 29 Missed finals on head-to-head with Hurricanes
2006 Super 14 season 6th 13 8 1 4 326 269 +57 4 3 1 38 Missed finals on tiebreakers (bonus points and point differential)
2007 Super 14 season 5th 13 9 0 4 234 173 +61 4 2 2 40 Missed finals on tiebreakers (bonus points)
2008 Super 14 season 9th 13 6 0 7 277 317 −40 6 4 2 30
2009 Super 14 season 7th 13 8 0 5 311 305 +6 6 5 1 38 Missed finals on tiebreakers (drawn games by Crusaders)
2010 Super 14 season 6th 13 8 0 5 358 291 +67 5 3 2 37 Missed finals on tiebreakers (drawn games by Crusaders)
2011 Super Rugby season 13th 16 4 1 11 314 437 −123 7 3 4 33
2012 Super Rugby season 7th 16 10 0 6 404 331 +73 10 5 5 58 Missed finals on tiebreakers (win rate of Reds)
2013 Super Rugby season 3rd 16 10 2 4 430 295 +135 8 5 3 60 Lost final to Chiefs
2014 Super Rugby season 4th 16 10 0 6 412 378 +34 5 4 1 45 Lost semi final to Waratahs
2015 Super Rugby season 6th 16 9 0 7 369 261 +108 11 6 5 47 Lost semi final to Hurricanes
2016 Super Rugby season 4th 15 10 0 5 425 326 +99 3 3 0 43 Lost quarterfinal to Highlanders
2017 Super Rugby season 4th 15 6 0 9 315 279 +36 10 3 7 34 Lost quarterfinal to Hurricanes
2018 Super Rugby season 10th 16 7 0 9 393 422 -29 6 2 4 34 Missed finals on tiebreakers (drawn games by Sharks)
2019 Super Rugby season 3rd 16 10 0 6 430 366 +64 8 5 3 48 Lost semifinal to Jaguares
2020 2020 Total N/A 14 11 0 3 397 262 +135 7 6 1 51 2020 Super Rugby season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brumbies second overall, first overall in points per game.

Defeated Reds in 2020 Super Rugby AU season final.
2020 Super Rugby season 2nd 6 5 0 1 208 115 +93 3 2 1 23
2020 Super Rugby AU season 1st 8 6 0 2 189 147 +42 4 4 0 28
2021 2021 Total N/A 13 7 0 6 349 317 +32 6 3 3 34 Lost 2021 Super Rugby AU season final to Reds.
2021 Super Rugby AU season 2nd 8 6 0 2 267 165 +102 5 3 2 29
Super Rugby Trans-Tasman 6th 5 1 0 4 82 152 -70 1 0 1 5
2022 Super Rugby Pacific season 4th 14 10 0 4 404 306 +98 4 3 1 44 Lost semifinal to Blues
2023 Super Rugby Pacific season 4th 14 10 0 4 474 393 +81 6 5 1 46 Lost semifinal to Chiefs
2024 Super Rugby Pacific season TBC 14 12 0 2 410 311 +99 4 4 0 52 Lost semifinal to Blues

Current squad

[edit]
For player movements before and during the 2025 season, see List of 2024–25 Super Rugby transfers (Australia) § Brumbies.

The squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season is:[61]

ACT Brumbies Super Rugby squad

Props

Hookers

Locks

Loose forwards

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Outside backs

  • (c) denotes team captain.
  • Bold denotes internationally capped.

Captains

[edit]

As of 10 April 2022, there have been nineteen Brumbies captains.[62] Ten of those captains were club captains, and eleven of those had been game-day only captains.

Ben Mowen captained the side on 51 occasions, more than any other Brumbies captain. He was Captain for every game in his Brumbies career, and only missed two games in that period: against the Lions in 2012, and against the Rebels in 2013.

Only four players under 26 have captained the Brumbies: Owen Finegan, George Gregan, Nic White, and Ryan Lonergan. Nic White became the youngest Captain in Brumbies history when he captained the side against the Rebels on 7 June 2013. He was 22 years and 359 days old at the time.[63]

Only four players over 32 have captained the Brumbies: Owen Finegan, Stephen Moore, Scott Fardy, and Nic White. Stephen Moore became the oldest Captain in Brumbies history when he captained the side against the Reds on 13 February 2015. He was 32 years and 24 days old at the time. With his final game for the Brumbies against the Highlanders on 22 July 2016, he set the current record for oldest Brumbies captain at 33 years and 184 days.

George Gregan is the only Brumbies captain to play every game of his captaincy tenure. Allan Alaalatoa is the only Brumbies captain to miss games of his captaincy tenure due to suspension.

There are more caps as Captain than there are Brumbies games. This is due to the Brumbies adopting the co-Captaincy model between 2016 and 2018.[64][65]

Club Captains

[edit]

(Correct as of 10 April 2023)

Notable players

[edit]
See also: List of ACT Brumbies players

All Time Brumbies XV

[edit]

During the gap between Super Rugby 2020 and the 2020 domestic competition, the Brumbies ran a fan poll to select an All Time Brumbies XV.[66]

All Time Brumbies XV


List of individual accolades

[edit]

Several Brumbies players have gone on to achieve greater recognition in the Rugby community, achieving such things as:

100 Club

[edit]

Note: Accurate as of 30 January 2020. Players in Bold are still playing for the Brumbies. Players in Bolded Italics are still playing Super Rugby.

Coaches

[edit]

Also see Category:ACT Brumbies coaches.

Brumbies Super Rugby Coaches
Coach Tenure Games Wins Losses Draws Win % Finals Appearances Titles
Australia Rod McQueen 1996–1997 24 16 8 0 67% 1997 None
Australia Eddie Jones 1998–2001 48 28 20 0 58% 2000, 2001 2001
Australia David Nucifora 2002–2004 38 24 14 0 63% 2002, 2003, 2004 2004
Australia Laurie Fisher 2005–2008, 2014 68 38 28 2 56% 2014 None
Australia Andy Friend 2009–2011 28 17 11 0 61% None None
Australia Tony Rea 2011 14 3 11 0 21% None None
South Africa Jake White 2012–2013 35 22 11 2 63% 2013 None
Australia Stephen Larkham 2014–2017, 2023- 96 58 38 0 60% 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2023 None
Australia Daniel McKellar 2018–2022 80 49 31 0 61% 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 2020 AU

As of 18 May 2024.

Team records

[edit]
  • Individual records sourced from 2020 Brumbies Official Sourcebook.
  • Team records sourced from SAANZAR Results records.

Individual Records

[edit]

As of 26 September 2021.
Players in bold currently play for the Brumbies.

Individuals who have scored 150 points in their Brumbies Career
Player Points Scored Games Played Points per Game
Stirling Mortlock 1019 117 8.7
Christian Lealiifano 958 150 6.4
Joe Roff 588 86 6.8
Matt Giteau 458 67 6.8
Mark Gerrard 306 78 3.9
Andrew Walker 246 47 5.2
David Knox 242 35 6.9
Henry Speight 230 122 1.9
Stephen Larkham 226 127 1.8
Wharenui Hawera 190 36 5.3
Nic White 170 85 2.0
Tom Banks 157 73 2.2
Noah Lolesio 155 23 6.7
Individuals who have scored 25 tries in their Brumbies Career
Player Tries Scored Games Played Tries per Game
Joe Roff 57 86 0.66
Stirling Mortlock 53 117 0.45
Henry Speight 46 122 0.37
Stephen Larkham 33 127 0.26
Andrew Walker 31 47 0.66
Tom Banks 31 73 0.42
Folau Fainga'a 29 52 0.56
Owen Finegan 29 90 0.32
Tevita Kuridrani 28 136 0.21
Mark Gerrard 27 78 0.35
Joe Tomane 25 68 0.37
Individuals who have scored 150 points in a season
Player Points Scored Season
Christian Lealiifano 231 2013
Stirling Mortlock 194 2000
Joe Roff 182 2004
Matt Giteau 171 2011
Christian Lealiifano 170 2015
Christian Lealiifano 163 2016
Individuals who have scored 10 tries in a season
Player Tries Scored Season
Joe Roff 15 1997
Andrew Walker 13 2000
Folau Fainga'a 12 2019
Stirling Mortlock 10 2004
Mark Gerrard 10 2004

Team Records

[edit]

As of 18 May 2024.
Drua and Moana Pasifika to be added to home/away sections after at least five fixtures in each.

Best Home Results against each opponent
Blues Bulls Cheetahs Chiefs Crusaders Force Highlanders Hurricanes Lions Rebels Reds Sharks Stormers Sunwolves Waratahs
Team Blues Bulls Cheetahs Chiefs Crusaders Force Highlanders Hurricanes Lions Rebels Reds Sharks Stormers Sunwolves Waratahs
Highest Score 46–25 (2002) 73–9 (1999) 61–15 (2010) 55–31 (2003) 51–16 (2001) 47–25 (2014) 70–26 (1996) 52–10 (2016) 68–28 (2004) 39–17 (2013)
39–26 (2020)		 51–8 (2004) 51–10 (2000) 40–25 (2001) 66–5 (2016) 61–10 (2021)
Best Margin 37–15 (2009) 49–6 (2001) 41–7 (2013) 64–0 (2000) 37–6 (2012) 47–3 (2015) 37–15 (1999)
Least Conceded 26–9 (2014) 23–6 (2016) 20–3 (2015) 15–6 (2007) 31–3 (2010) 32–3 (2017) 36–0 (2006) 16–9 (2014) 17–10 (2009) 33–0 (2019) 23–6 (2012)
35–6 (2013)
Best Away Results against each opponent
Blues Bulls Cheetahs Chiefs Crusaders Force Highlanders Hurricanes Lions Rebels Reds Sharks Stormers Sunwolves Waratahs
Team Blues Bulls Cheetahs Chiefs Crusaders Force Highlanders Hurricanes Lions Rebels Reds Sharks Stormers Sunwolves Waratahs
Highest Score 35–7 (2001) 45–35 (2002) 40–27 (2009) 45–17 (2000) 32–33 (2002) 39–38 (2022) 33–31 (2009) 37–49 (2005)
37–25 (2012)		 34–29 (2005)
34–20 (2012)		 30–3 (2024) 52–13 (2009)
52–24 (2023)		 29–10 (2013) 39–19 (2015) 47–14 (2020) 51–10 (2002)
Best Margin 45–35 (2002)
38–28 (2018)		 29–7 (1996) 24–0 (2020) 29–10 (2007) 37–25 (2012) 34–20 (2012) 52–13 (2009) 36–15 (2002)
Least Conceded 28–19 (2000) 25–18 (2016) 7–10 (2009) 15–9 (1997)
8–9 (1999)		 10–11 (2007) 14–9 (2007) 29–0 (2015) 36–15 (2002)
33–15 (2004)
15–15 (2006)
Worst Home Results against each opponent
Blues Bulls Cheetahs Chiefs Crusaders Force Highlanders Hurricanes Lions Rebels Reds Sharks Stormers Sunwolves Waratahs
Team Blues Bulls Cheetahs Chiefs Crusaders Force Highlanders Hurricanes Lions Rebels Reds Sharks Stormers Sunwolves Waratahs
Lowest Score 12–18 (2017) 7–19 (2007) 15–13 (2013) 13–16 (1999) 8–21 (2018) 14–12 (2007) 9–15 (2016) 13–23 (2010) 6–13 (2017) 8–13 (2015) 16–12 (2022) 16–9 (2014) 3–16 (2011) 33–0 (2019) 6–10 (2005)
Worst Margin 16–30 (2012) 24–23 (2012) 23–48 (2016) 14–40 (2016) 16–25 (2009) 12–33 (2021) 16–35 (2017) 20–29 (2011) 27–34 (2019) 17–27 (2014) 23–41 (1998) 41–31 (2018) 22–29 (2011)
17–24 (2018)
Most Conceded 40–34 (1996) 32–31 (2009) 29–23 (2008)
24–23 (2012)		 19–27 (2011) 38–40 (2021) 40–25 (2001) 22–29 (2011)
Worst Away Results against each opponent
Blues Bulls Cheetahs Chiefs Crusaders Force Highlanders Hurricanes Lions Rebels Reds Sharks Stormers Sunwolves Waratahs
Team Blues Bulls Cheetahs Chiefs Crusaders Force Highlanders Hurricanes Lions Rebels Reds Sharks Stormers Sunwolves Waratahs
Lowest Score 0–17 (2005) 7–24 (1998) 20–38 (2007) 7–10 (2009) 3–33 (2006)
3–34 (2008)		 13–13 (2011) 8–9 (1999) 7–56 (2009) 14–9 (2007) 10–33 (2018) 6–3 (2007) 14–35 (2009) 3–34 (1998) 32–25 (2018) 7–32 (1998)
7–41 (2011)
Worst Margin 7–46 (2024) 23–44 (2014) 12–46 (2024) 10–52 (2011) 22–29 (2008) 19–45 (2003)
17–43 (2018)		 24–42 (2018) 14–36 (2019) 7–41 (2011)
Most Conceded 32–50 (2010) 36–47 (2011) 39–38 (2022) 19–45 (2003) 24–36 (2005) 22–35 (2013)
  • Note: The Brumbies also played four Super Rugby fixtures against the Jaguares and two Super Rugby fixtures against the Southern Kings, but due to their small sample size, their results are not included in this table.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Williamson, Nathan (16 August 2022). "Inside the Brumbies' reconnection with the 'ACT' name". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  2. ^ "Historic change for South Coast rugby union". Batemans Bay Post. 10 November 2004. Archived from the original on 26 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  3. ^ Dutton, Chris (30 March 2018). "ACT Brumbies bury interstate rage ahead of NSW Waratahs Super Rugby battle". Canberra Times. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Rugby-Brumbies hang on to win Super Rugby AU title over Reds". National Post. Reuters. 19 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  5. ^ Smith, Wayne (18 July 2020). "Super Rugby AU: NSW Waratahs go down in glory despite ACT Brumbies 24-23 win". The Australian. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  6. ^ a b c "Rugby Union FCT relaunched again". The Canberra Times. 21 July 1937. p. 4. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  7. ^ "Rugby Union. 'Year full of promise'. Annual meeting held". The Canberra Times. 28 March 1939. p. 4. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  8. ^ "Opening of Rugby Union season. University's plucky wín; R.M.C. too strong. Good clean football". The Canberra Times. 2 May 1938. p. 3. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  9. ^ "Timeline of ANU events". University Archives. Australian National University. 4 December 2002. Archived from the original on 23 October 2005. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  10. ^ "Spectacular Rugby at Manuka. All Blacks' display. Canberra defeated 57 to 5. Record crowd attracted by football festival". The Canberra Times. 11 August 1938. p. 2. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  11. ^ "ACT players to meet Lions". The Canberra Times. 2 May 1966. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  12. ^ Foster, Michael (10 June 1973). "Sterling win to ACT". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  13. ^ Foster, Michael (14 June 1978). "Pack's magnificent obsession". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  14. ^ Scholes, Gary (29 March 1989). "Kookaburras unveil major sponsorship". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  15. ^ Nix, Alwyn (4 July 1994). "Cornish leads ACT to glory over NSW". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  16. ^ "Brumbies ready to fire up in Super 12 competition". The Canberra Times. Vol. 71, no. 22, 152. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 11 December 1995. p. 23. Retrieved 11 March 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  17. ^ Scholes, Gary (29 November 1995). "Wanted: leader to revitalise the ailing life-blood of ACT rugby in '96". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
  18. ^ Dutton, Chris (28 April 2011). "Former Springboks coach White wants to bring back the 'Brumbies aura'". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  19. ^ "Jake White granted release from final two years of contract as coach of ACT Brumbies". ABC. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
  20. ^ Brumbies claim famous win against Lions
  21. ^ Brumbies claim inaugural World Club Sevens title
  22. ^ "Australia to name culled Super Rugby team "within days"". Associated Press. 9 April 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  23. ^ ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union – A Brief History Archived 30 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine; brumbies.com.au; Retrieved 25 February 2008.
  24. ^ Brumbies Territory Archived 30 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine; brumbies.com.au; Retrieved 25 February 2008.
  25. ^ a b "1996 Retro Jersey". Brumbies. Archived from the original on 25 February 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
  26. ^ a b "Damien McInally". Getty Images. 27 March 1999.
  27. ^ "Super12 Hurricanes v Brumbies X". Getty Images. 6 April 2001.
  28. ^ "Joe Roff of the Brumbies smirks after scoring". Getty Images. 6 April 2003.
  29. ^ "Super 12 - Brumbies v Reds". Getty Images. 28 March 2004.
  30. ^ "Super 12 Semi Final - ACT Brumbies v Chiefs". Getty Images. 15 May 2004.
  31. ^ "Super 14 Rd 1 - Western Force v Brumbies". Getty Images. 10 February 2006.
  32. ^ "Investec Super 14 - Brumbies v Highlanders - Canberra Stadium". Getty Images. 23 February 2008.
  33. ^ "Super 14 Rd 12 - Reds v Brumbies". Getty Images. 2 May 2009.
  34. ^ a b c "Super Rugby Rd 3 - Brumbies v Cheetahs". Getty Images. 10 March 2012.
  35. ^ a b "Super Rugby Final - Chiefs v Brumbies". Getty Images. 3 August 2013.
  36. ^ "Annual Report 2013" (PDF 23.4 MB). Brumbies Rugby. 2013. p. 13. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 April 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  37. ^ a b "Super Rugby Rd 14 - Jaguares v Brumbies". Getty Images. 27 May 2017.
  38. ^ Aquis joins Brumbies family as major sponsor with six-year deal Archived 30 March 2015 at the Wayback Machine Brumbies Rugby. 2 November 2015.
  39. ^ "Canberra Milk signs on as Brumbies Shorts Partner". Brumbies. 26 May 2016. Archived from the original on 25 March 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  40. ^ "ACT Brumbies land rich sponsorship deal with Plus500 for 2017 Super Rugby season". The Canberra Times. 7 December 2016. Archived from the original on 7 December 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
  41. ^ "Austbrokers Canberra become Brumbies back of shorts sponsor". The Riot ACT. 5 March 2018.
  42. ^ "Civium Sign Brumbies Shorts Deal". Brumbies. 15 February 2019.
  43. ^ "2020 Super Rugby jerseys unveiled". Brumbies Rugby. 16 December 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  44. ^ "Play Video Brumbies go for classic look with 2021 kit". Rugby.com.au. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  45. ^ "Dan Vickerman Cup to be contested by Waratahs and Brumbies in memory of late Wallabies player". ABC News. ABC. 15 March 2017. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  46. ^ "Brumbies survive Waratahs comeback, Sydney downpour to secure win". Rugby AU. Rugby AU. 11 May 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  47. ^ a b c "Brumbies' hatred of NSW Waratahs stems back to 1994 when Canberra side whipped NSW". Courier Mail. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  48. ^ "We have a new Champion". SharksWorld.co.za. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  49. ^ "Moore the toast of his teammates". Canberra Times. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  50. ^ "Is rugby going soft?". Yahoo Sport. 16 July 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  51. ^ "2018 Super Rugby Round 19: Waratahs press conference". RUGBY.com.au. 14 July 2018. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  52. ^ "Brumbies Rugby | Stats | Records | Players | Rugby Database". www.rugbydatabase.co.nz. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  53. ^ Decent, Tom (4 April 2024). "Don't tell the Waratahs their Brumbies rivalry has gone flat". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  54. ^ "BRUMBIES BREAK CRUSADERS CURSE TO SECURE HOME PLAY-OFF". Super Rugby. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  55. ^ "Brumbies ready for 'classic' Crusaders rivalry: Ben Mowen". Sydney Morning Herald. May 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  56. ^ "Brumbies renew old rivalry with Crusaders". Sydney Morning Herald. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  57. ^ McKay, Brett (15 March 2021). "The contest that set Super Rugby AU on fire in 2021". The Roar. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  58. ^ Decent, Tom (13 March 2021). "Late Petaia try seals Reds' comeback win against table-topping Brumbies". Sydney Morning Herald. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  59. ^ "Reds secure stunning last-gasp victory over Brumbies to clinch Super Rugby AU crown". Super Rugby Pacific. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  60. ^ "ACT XV team named to open Pacific Rugby Cup". Brumbies Rugby. 27 February 2013. Archived from the original on 27 January 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  61. ^ "ACT Brumbies announce 36-player squad for 2025 Super Rugby Pacific" (Press release). Brumbies. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  62. ^ "Lonergan to become 19th Captain of the Brumbies against Western Force". Brumbies Rugby. 23 March 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  63. ^ "Nic White to Captain Brumbies against Rebels". Brumbies Rugby. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  64. ^ "Moore and Lealiifano named Brumbies Co-Captains". RUGBY.com.au. 29 January 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  65. ^ "Plus500 Brumbies announce Co-Captains for 2018". Brumbies Rugby. February 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  66. ^ "REVEALED: All-Time Greatest Super Rugby XV". Brumbies. 12 June 2020. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  67. ^ a b c "Brian O'Driscoll leads nominations for IRB player of the year". The Guardian. 16 November 2009. Archived from the original on 28 October 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  68. ^ "Burger wins IRB award". The Daily Telegraph. 29 November 2004. Archived from the original on 1 March 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  69. ^ "IRB nominates Fourie du Preez". News24. 6 November 2006. Archived from the original on 26 November 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  70. ^ "Dusautoir crowned IRB player of year". ESPN. 24 October 2011. Archived from the original on 30 March 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  71. ^ "Dan Carter wins World Rugby player of the year award". Stuff.co.nz. 2 November 2015. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  72. ^ "Rugby Australia Awards RECAP: Valetini, Karpani claim major awards". Rugby.com.au. 7 February 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  73. ^ a b c d "David Pocock wins second John Eales Medal". SBS News. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  74. ^ "Rugby Australia Awards 2023: All the info you need to know". Rugby.com.au. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  75. ^ "Pocock wins Super Rugby player of the Year". SuperXV. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  76. ^ "2013 Super Rugby Awards". Green and Gold Rugby. 8 August 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  77. ^ a b c d "George Smith wins first Tooheys New Super 14 Player of the Series". SuperXV. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  78. ^ "Slipper and Tuinakauvadra take top honours at Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies". Brumbies Rugby. 19 July 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  79. ^ "Alaalatoa claims third Brett Robinson Players' Player of the year award". Brumbies Rugby. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  80. ^ a b c d "Alaalatoa honoured with 2nd consecutive Brett Robinson Award". Brumbies Rugby. 7 October 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  81. ^ "Alaalatoa Honoured With Brett Robinson Award". Brumbies Rugby. 2 August 2019. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  82. ^ Helmers, Caden (14 September 2021). "'Means the world to me': Rob Valetini joins Brumbies greats with 2021 Brett Robinson Award". Canberra Times. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  83. ^ "Arnold takes out Brett Robinson award". RUGBY.com.au. 31 August 2018. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  84. ^ "Speight takes home Brett Robinson Award". Brumbies Rugby. 2 September 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  85. ^ "Lealiifano wins Brett Robinson Medal". RUGBY.com.au. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  86. ^ "Brumbies flanker David Pocock wins Brett Robinson award". Sydney Morning Herald. August 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  87. ^ "Butler claims Brett Robinson Award as Player of the Year". Brumbies Rugby. 30 August 2014. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  88. ^ a b "Smith shows he's fairest of them all". Sydney Morning Herald. 10 August 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  89. ^ "Moore gets just reward". Sydney Morning Herald. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  90. ^ "Giteau Named Player's Player". Brumbies Rugby. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  91. ^ "George Smith claims ninth and final Brett Robinson Award". TWF. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  92. ^ "Garry 'Quinzo' Quinlivan honoured by Rugby Australia with Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award". Brumbies Rugby. 14 December 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  93. ^ "RAA 2018 As it happened: Pocock claims John Eales Medal". RUGBY.com.au. 19 October 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Brumbies.
Preceded by Super 12 Champions
2001 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Super 12 Champions
2004 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ACT_Brumbies&oldid=1258527547"