View source for ACT Brumbies

{{Rugby team
  | teamname   = Brumbies
  | image      = Brumbies logo.png
  | union = [[Australian Rugby Union]]
  | location = [[Canberra]], Australia  
  | countryflag = Australia
  | founded    = 1996
  | region    = [[Australian Capital Territory]] and southern [[New South Wales]]
  | ground     = [[Canberra Stadium]]
  | capacity   = 25,011
  | coach    = Andy Friend
  | captain   = Stephen Hoiles
  | season     = [[2009 Super 14 season|2009]]
  | position   = 7th
  | pattern_la1=Brumbies_home|pattern_b1=Brumbies_home|pattern_ra1=Brumbies_home|leftarm1=white|body1=white|rightarm1=white|shorts1=132232|socks1=132232|
  | pattern_la2=_navyshoulders|pattern_b2=Brumbies_away|pattern_ra2=_navyshoulders|leftarm2=FFFFFF|body2=white|rightarm2=FFFFFF|shorts2=132232|socks2=132232|
}}

{{redirect|Brumbies|the Australian wild horse|Brumby}}

The '''Brumbies''' (formerly known as the '''ACT Brumbies''', for sponsorship reasons referred to as '''[[CA Inc.|CA]] Brumbies''') are a [[Super 14]] [[rugby union]] team based in [[Canberra]], Australia and named for the [[brumby|wild horses]] which inhabit Canberra's hinterland. The team represents the [[Australian Capital Territory]] (ACT) and southern [[New South Wales]] (NSW) regions.

The Brumbies were formed in [[1996 Super 12 season|1996]] to provide a third Australian franchise for the newly-formed Super 12 (now Super 14) competition.  It was predicted that the Brumbies, made up of so called 'rejects' — players not wanted by the other two teams — would perform poorly. Since then, they have enjoyed more success than the other two (the [[New South Wales Waratahs]] and the [[Queensland Reds]]), reaching five finals and winning two, being the only Australian team to have done so.

The Brumbies play in navy blue, white and gold kits. The team plays at [[Canberra Stadium]] (formerly known as Bruce Stadium) in Canberra and is currently coached by [[Andy Friend]], who replaced [[Laurie Fisher]] after the 2008 season. The 2009 season will also see a new captain, with {{number 8}} [[Stephen Hoiles]] replacing {{rugbycentre}} [[Stirling Mortlock]] in that role.<ref name="Hoiles captain">{{cite news|url=http://brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/55279 |title=Hoiles to captain CA Brumbies in 2009 |publisher=Brumbies Rugby |date=2009-01-13 |accessdate=2009-01-13}}</ref>

==History==
Rugby union football has a long history in the ACT. The [[British and Irish Lions|British Isles]] opened their 1899 tour of Australia with a match in [[Goulburn]]. However, it was not until 1938 that the ACT Rugby Union was finally established. Four clubs made up the first local competition; University, Easts, RMC and Norths. Also that year, a representative ACT side faced off against the [[All Blacks]], losing 5 to 56.

The first international victory for an ACT representative side was in 1973, when they defeated Tonga 17 points to six. In 1978 an ACT side defeated Wales, who were [[Six Nations Championship|Five Nations]] champions at the time. ACT had trailed at half time, 6 to 16, but came back and won with a penalty kick in the final moments of the match.

ACT defeated [[New South Wales Waratahs|NSW]] 44 to 28 at Sydney's Concord Oval in 1994, which led the way for the ACT to become a franchise, and be included in the new professional international Super 12 competition, alongside the Reds and Waratahs. ACT became Australia's third provincial team in the new competition, known officially as the ACT Brumbies.

In the inaugural Super 12 season, under coach [[Rod Macqueen]], the Brumbies actually 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.

[[Eddie Jones (rugby)|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, by just the one point, losing 19 to 20.
[[Image:Brumbies vs Waratahs.JPG.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Brumbies vs Waratahs, April 2006]]

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 (rugby)|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.

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 onto to beat Fiji and Tonga later that year.

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.

[[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 South Africa. 

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.

The Brumbies have announced that [[Andy Friend]] will succeed incumbent coach [[Laurie Fisher]] at the conclusion of the [[2008 Super 14 season]].<ref name="Friend appointed CA Brumbies Head Coach">{{cite web|url=http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/53906|title=Friend appointed CA Brumbies Head Coach|publisher=Brumbies|date=2008-04-15|accessdate=2008-04-17}}</ref>

==Colours and name==
[[Image:Brumbieslogo96-04.png|thumb|right|ACT Brumbies logo, used between 1996 and 2004.]] 

The Brumbies traditional colours are [[navy blue]], [[white]] and [[gold (colour)|gold]]. Their primary jersey is navy with gold trim, with navy shorts and socks.  The alternate jersey is primarily white with navy sides and gold trim, 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 Waratahs|NSW]] and [[Queensland Reds|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.  The primary jersey sposor is software company [[CA, Inc.|CA]] with [[DHL]] the sleeve sponsor and clothing sponsorship by [[International Sports Clothing|ISC]].  

The team is named after the [[brumby|wild horses]] which inhabit Canberra's hinterland. The Brumbies mascot is ''Brumby Jack''.  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]].<ref>[http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/51164 ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union - A Brief History]; ''brumbies.com.au''; Retrieved 25 February 2008.</ref> 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 (New South Wales)|Southern Highlands]] as well as the [[Sunraysia]] region incorporating parts of [[Victoria, Australia|Victoria]].<ref>[http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/39466 Brumbies Territory]; ''brumbies.com.au''; Retrieved 25 February 2008.</ref>

==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==
The Brumbies have traditionally had a fierce rivalry with the NSW Waratahs. The original Brumbies team was formed of rejects from the Waratahs - ironically however the Brumbies have had more success over the duration of the Super 12/14. Brumbies v. Waratahs games are notoriously difficult for the away team to win - indeed the away team has only won on two occasions, including the Brumbies 51-10 humiliation of NSW in the 2002 semi finals. Brumbies/Waratahs games routinely attract sell out attendances. 

Another notable rival of the Brumbies is the Crusaders. The two sides have met in three grand finals (The Brumbies winning one and the Crusaders two). In common with the Waratah rivalry the away side rarely wins in encounters between the two sides. The Brumbies are the only team to have scored 50 points against the Crusaders and have recorded the highest ever score in a grand final (48 points) against this side. The Brumbies remain one of few sides to have a competitive win/loss record against the Crusaders.

==Season standings==
:{| class="wikitable"
|-border=1 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0
! width="20"| Season
! width="20"|Pos
! width="20"|Pld
! width="20"|W
! width="20"|D
! width="20"|L
! width="20"|F
! width="20"|A
! width="25"|+/-
! width="20"|BP
! width="20"|Pts
! |Notes
|- align=center
|align=left|[[1996 Super 12 season|1996]]
|align=left|'''5th'''
|11||7||0||4||306||273||+33||4||'''32'''||
|- align=center
|align=left|[[1997 Super 12 season|1997]]
|align=left|'''2nd'''
|11||8||0||3||406||291||+115||9||'''41'''||(lost final to Blues)
|- align=center
|align=left|[[1998 Super 12 season|1998]]
|align=left|'''10th'''
|11||3||0||8||248||364||-166||6||'''18'''||
|- align=center
|align=left|[[1999 Super 12 season|1999]]
|align=left|'''5th'''
|11||5||0||6||278||195||+83||8||'''28'''||
|- align=center
|align=left|[[2000 Super 12 season|2000]]
|align=left|'''2nd'''
|11||9||0||2||393||196||+197||9||'''45'''||(lost final to Crusaders)
|- align=center
|align=left|[[2001 Super 12 season|2001]]
|align=left|'''1st'''
|11||8||0||3||348||204||+144||8||'''40'''||(defeated Sharks in final)
|- align=center
|align=left|[[2002 Super 12 season|2002]]
|align=left|'''2nd'''
|11||7||0||4||374||230||+144||10||'''38'''||(lost final to Crusaders)
|- align=center
|align=left|[[2003 Super 12 season|2003]]
|align=left|'''4th'''
|11||6||0||5||358||313||+45||7||'''31'''||(lost semi-final to Blues)
|- align=center
|align=left|[[2004 Super 12 season|2004]]
|align=left|'''1st'''
|11||8||0||3||408||269||+139||8||'''40'''||(defeated Crusaders in final)
|- align=center
|align=left|[[2005 Super 12 season|2005]]
|align=left|'''5th'''
|11||5||1||5||260||266||-6||7||'''29'''||
|- align=center
|align=left|[[2006 Super 14 season|2006]]
|align=left|'''6th'''
|13||8||1||4||326||269||+57||4||'''38'''||
|- align=center
|align=left|[[2007 Super 14 season|2007]]
|align=left|'''5th'''
|13||9||0||4||234||173||+61||4||'''40'''||
|- align=center
|align=left|[[2008 Super 14 season|2008]]
|align=left|'''9th'''
|13||6||0||7||277||317||-40||6||'''30'''||
|- align=center
|align=left|[[2009 Super 14 season|2009]]
|align=left|'''7th'''
|13||8||0||5||311||305||+6||6||'''38'''||
|- align=center
|}

==Current squad==
The squad for the 2010 season:<ref name="2009Squad">{{cite news| title=Brumbies Player Profiles| url=http://www.rugby.com.au/investec_super_14/team_central_/brumbies/player_profiles,125880.html |publisher=rugby.com.au |accessdate=2009-02-09}}</ref>
{| class="toccolours" style="border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
|valign="top"|
'''Props'''
* [[Ben Alexander (rugby union player)|Ben Alexander]]
* [[Salesi Ma'afu]]
* [[Guy Shepherdson]]
* [[Jerry Yanuyanutawa]]

'''Hookers'''
* [[Huia Edmonds]] 
* [[Stephen Moore (rugby union)|Stephen Moore]]

'''Locks'''
* [[Mark Chisholm]]
* [[Ben Hand]]
* [[Peter Kimlin]]
* [[Sitaleki Timani]]
|width="33"|&nbsp;
|valign="top"|

'''Loose forwards'''
* [[Mitchell Chapman]]
* [[Stephen Hoiles]](c)   
* [[Rocky Elsom]]
* [[George Smith (rugby union)|George Smith]]
* [[Henry Vanderglas]]

'''Half Backs'''
* [[Josh Valentine]]
* [[Patrick Phibbs]]

'''Fly Halfs'''
* [[Christian Lealiifano]]
* [[Matt Toomua]]
|width="33"|&nbsp;
|valign="top"|

'''Centres'''
* [[Matt Giteau]]
* [[Stirling Mortlock]]
* [[Tyrone Smith (rugby league)|Tyrone Smith]]

'''Wings'''
* [[Francis Fainifo]]
* [[Andrew Smith]]
* [[Alifeleti Mafi]]
* [[Afusipa Taumoepeau]]

'''Full Backs'''
* [[Adam Ashley-Cooper]]
* [[Pat McGabe]]
{{end table}}

*<ref>Shawn Mackay sadly died during the 2009 season</ref>

==Current internationals==
:''Teams as of [[2009 Super 14 season]]''
* [[Ben Alexander (rugby union player)|Ben Alexander]]
* [[Guy Shepardson]]
* [[Adam Ashley-Cooper]]
* [[Mark Chisholm]]
* [[Stephen Hoiles]]
* [[Peter Kimlin]]
* [[Stephen Moore (rugby union)|Stephen Moore]]
* [[Stirling Mortlock]]
* [[George Smith (rugby player)|George Smith]]
* [[Mark Gerrard]]
* [[Matt Giteau]] has been resigned from the [[Western Force]] after the completion of the 2009 season.
*[[Rocky Elsom]], signed with the [[Brumbies]] after a season with Leinster.

==Notable players==
* [[Owen Finegan]]
* [[David Giffin]]
* [[George Gregan]]
* [[Julian Huxley (rugby union)|Julian Huxley]]
* [[Stephen Larkham]]
* [[Jeremy Paul]]
* [[Joe Roff]]
* [[George Smith (rugby player)|George Smith]]

==100 Club==
* 136 - [[George Gregan]]
* 116 - [[Stephen Larkham]]
* 112 - [[Jeremy Paul]]
* 106 - '''[[George Smith (rugby player)|George Smith]]'''
* 101 - '''[[Stirling Mortlock]]'''
* 100 - [[Bill Young (rugby union)|Bill Young]]
Note: Players in '''Bold''' are still playing Super 14 rugby.

==Coaches==
''Since Super 12''
* [[Rod McQueen]] - 1996 - 1997
* [[Eddie Jones (rugby)|Eddie Jones]] - 1998 - 2001
* [[David Nucifora]] - 2002 - 2004
* [[Laurie Fisher]] - 2005 - 2008
* [[Andy Friend]] - 2009 -

==Franchise records==
* '''Highest point scorer in a career''' - [[Stirling Mortlock]] (994 points, 1998-present (round 13, 2009))
* '''Highest point scorer in a season''' - Stirling Mortlock (194 points, 2000)
* '''Highest try scorer in a career''' - [[Joe Roff]] (57 tries, 1996 to 2004)
* '''Highest try scorer in a season''' - Joe Roff (15 tries, 1997)

* '''Largest defeat''' - 44-10  - Waratahs (1995/1996  - Super 12)<ref name=stats>{{cite news | url=http://www.itsrugby.com/modules/site/team.php?id_team=74&menu=S&PHPSESSID=cf658d757daf96dbc079474b444d732a| title=ACT Brumbies | publisher=itsrugby.com| accessdate= 2006-09-16}}</ref>
* '''Largest Victory''' - 64-0 - Cats (2001), 79-15 - Bulls (1999)

==See also==
* [[ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commonscat}}
* [http://www.brumbies.com.au/ Official site]

{{start box}}
{{succession box
  | before = [[2000 Super 12 season|2000]] - [[Crusaders (rugby)|Crusaders]]<br/>[[2003 Super 12 season|2003]] - [[Blues (Super rugby franchise)|Blues]]
  | title  = [[Super 14|Super 12 Champions]]
  | years  = [[2001 Super 12 season|2001]] (first title)<br/>[[2004 Super 12 season|2004]] (second title)
  | after  = [[2002 Super 12 season|2002]] - [[Crusaders (rugby)|Crusaders]]<br/>[[2005 Super 12 season|2005]] - [[Crusaders (rugby)|Crusaders]]
}}
{{end box}}

{{Super Rugby}}
{{APC}}
{{ACTRU}}
{{Rugby union in Australia}}
{{Canberra Sports Teams}}

[[Category:Australian rugby union teams]]
[[Category:Sport in Canberra]]
[[Category:Super 12 champions]]
[[Category:Super 14 teams]]
[[Category:Sports clubs established in 1996]]

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