The ACT Brumbies have officially announced that Allan Alaalatoa will remain captain for the 2025 season, a decision that comes as no surprise.

The 30-year-old first represented the Brumbies in 2014 and has since earned 131 caps for the ACT club, taking on the captaincy in 2020.

Alaalatoa expressed his pride at being named Brumbies captain once again.

“It’s always an honour to go out there and lead a club, especially the Brumbies — the club that first gave me my opportunity to live my dream, playing professional rugby and Super Rugby, and then getting the opportunity to represent the Wallabies. So, to be skipper again, it’s always an honour, said Alaalatoa.

The prop said he has gained valuable lessons as a leader and expressed his gratitude for the support of the leadership group around him.

“I think there’s been plenty of growth. You definitely learn a lot as a leader, particularly about how I want to lead and the changes I make throughout the year. But it’s also about leaning on the other boys. I’m so grateful to have a strong leadership group behind me who help take on the weight and push standards on the field,” he said.

After falling short in the semi-finals for the past three seasons, Alaalatoa said the Brumbies are determined to find that extra edge to overcome the hurdle this year.

“This time of the year, you’re always setting goals, and I think for us, it’s trying to find a little one or two per cent because we’ve been so close over the last three years, but have still fallen short,” he said.

“Off the back of last year, we’ve got about 30 players who have come back and who have experienced the last few years.

“For us to retain 30 players is massive. We don’t have to change everything. We just have to add a little bit to the program, on and off the field, which we believe will take us that step forward.”

Although the Brumbies have been Australia’s top team in recent years, Alaalatoa believes the Waratahs now hold the favourites tag, thanks to their high-profile off-season additions, including former NRL star Joseph Sua’ali’i and ex-Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar.

“Yeah, I think so [the Waratahs are favourites]. They’ve definitely, boosted their roster with some star players” said Alaalatoa.

“I think the most important part is the coaches that they’ve gotten, I think they’re going to be great for them.”

“That rivalry is always there [with the Waratahs], probably a little bit more now. I know the boys are looking forward to first the trial next week in Bowral and just to get a look at their new side.

The Brumbies take on the Waratahs in a trial in Bowral on Saturday 1 February. Visit the Brumbies website for information on becoming a member.