The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies will this week pay homage to their proud history, including the memorable 2004 Super Rugby Grand Final win over the Crusaders.

To mark the occasion, the Brumbies will don a special edition 2024 Heritage Jersey against the Crusaders in Round 13 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition this Saturday 18 May. The match will kick off at 2:35pm at GIO Stadium.

Marking 20 years since the club lifted the coveted Super Rugby trophy, 2004 Grand Finalists Stephen Larkham, Joe Roff, Scott Fava and Jone Tawake were on hand to launch the 2024 Heritage Collection at GIO Stadium. Sporting the original ACT Brumbies logo from when the club was established in 1996, the 2024 Heritage Jersey features a distinguished navy blue collar, evoking memories of one of the organisation’s greatest triumphs.

Played in front of a record Canberra Stadium crowd of 28,753, a record that still stands today, the 2004 Super Rugby Grand Final was considered one of the most entertaining finals in the competition’s history. The win was highlighted by a Brumbies five-try opening blitz that blew the home side out to a 33-0 lead after just 20 minutes.

The Canterbury-based Crusaders, one of the most successful Super Rugby franchises, staged a comeback to cut the lead down to 40-28 with a couple of minutes remaining. A try to Joe Roff shut down the Crusaders’ momentum, the Brumbies holding on to clinch their second Super Rugby title in front of a boisterous Canberra crowd, 47-38.

ACT Brumbies 47 (Tries: Mark Gerrard 3, Joe Roff 2, Jeremy Paul and Matt Giteau; Conversions: Joe Roff 6) def. Crusaders 38 (Tries: Richie McCaw, Aaron Mauger, Brad Thorn, Chris King, Casey Laulala and Daniel Carter; Conversions: Daniel Carter 4)

The special edition Heritage Collection range will also include a retro training top, beanie and jumper to commemorate the club’s proud history. The collection is available for purchase on the Brumbies online store at shop.brumbies.com.au

The lead-up to the Brumbies’ Round 13 fixture against the Crusaders will feature the organisation’s annual State of the Union event on Friday 17 May, at the iconic Hotel Realm. Brought to you by Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers, the Rugby Luncheon serves as the major fundraiser for local community-driven rugby programs as well as the pathways and academies for men and women.

A guest panel featuring Brumbies alumni David Giffin and Owen Finegan, as well as former Crusaders players Corey Flynn and Aaron Mauger, will be present. The lunch is a three-course sit-down where guests can enjoy networking, mingling with rugby greats, and an entertaining guest panel.

The event will also feature a live auction with multiple luxurious items and experiences, offering guests ample opportunities to make an impact while treating themselves. Additionally, all the game-worn Brumbies jerseys from the following night’s Crusaders match at GIO Stadium will be added to the auction list.

2024 State of the Union Lunch

• Date: Friday 17 May
• Time: 12pm – 4pm
• Address: Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600

Costs: $325 per person – General Admission Seat or $3,025 – General Admission Table of 10

To purchase tickets or to donate to the Brumbies Foundation, click here.

For more information, please email Lisa Smith at [email protected]