For the first time since 2004, the ACT Brumbies name is back.
Following extensive consultation with key stakeholders in the club and the Territory, the ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union decided to reintroduce the ‘ACT’ into the name of the club’s Super Rugby Pacific, Super W and Junior Representative sides.
The ACT Brumbies’ Board of Directors ratified the decision to re-establish the clubs original name, symbolically reconnecting the club to its home in the nation’s capital.
The ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union remains connected and committed to the Capital Region, from Southern Inland to the South Coast and Monaro, with the Brumbies committed to taking trial games outside of Canberra annually.
ACT Brumbies Chairman Matt Nobbs said it was a proud day for the club.
“It’s an exciting and proud day for the organisation and the club to officially re-introduce ourselves as the ACT Brumbies,” Nobbs said.
“Our commitment to our region will continue to grow, and we hope to confirm trial games outside of Canberra for 2023 shortly, but the Australian Capital Territory is and has always been our home and with this decision, we want to formally re-connect ourselves to our local community, so that they feel a sense of ownership and belonging to our club once again.“
ACT Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson said he fully supported the decision.
“I whole-heartedly support the Board’s decision to re-instate the ‘ACT’ into the name of the club’s senior and junior representative sides.”
“Although COVID-19 restrictions affected this, as a club and as an organisation, we recognise that we must do more to ensure the ACT community is proud to support the Brumbies and connecting to the ACT is a primary focus of our organisation moving forward, while continuing our valued commitment and support to regional NSW.”
ACT Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham said he’s looking forward to connecting the club with the community.
“Speaking on behalf of the current group, and for past players who have proudly worn the ACT Brumbies jersey, this is a fantastic step by the organisation.”
“The team under Dan have been playing some great rugby, and our job is to continue that on in 2023, but it’s also to genuinely engage with our community, so that they get that sense of pride in the team and the club.
“Generating support in the stands is obviously part of that, but it’s also about growing the game, giving kids a moment with a player which might inspire them to take up the game, or keep playing; that’s part of our purpose as a club and as head coach I’m excited to help drive that.”
