Brumbies breathe sigh of relief
The decision, which eliminated the Brumbies from ARU discussions on which team would be cut, was greeted with relief within Brumbies and in the wider Canberra rugby community.
"Whilst we were confident that the Brumbies would remain in the Super Rugby competition we weren’t taking anything for granted,"Brumbies CEO Michael Thomson commented.
"With that in mind, it’s gratifying to be able to get confirmation that the future of the Brumbies is safe and secure.
"We always believed the Brumbies had a number of strong foundations for remaining in the competition and presented those to the ARU. The Brumbies are a force in Super Rugby and we will continue to build on our traditions and heritage both on and off the field into the future,"
Having the security of the ARU decision behind them the Brumbies can now focus on what lies ahead.
"We will be appointing our new Head Coach to replace the departing Stephen Larkham and expect to be able to name his successor within the next month," Thomson said.
"There have been many excellent candidates who have applied for the job and we are progressing with the interview process.
"We are continuing our contract negotiations with current players and the recruitment of any identified targets for next season and beyond and will be able to make some significant announcements shortly.
"New General Manager, professional Rugby and Pathways, Damien Hill, who started work with us in March will play a big part in helping to mould the direction the Brumbies will undertake. We are excited and looking forward to a positive and productive future.
"We are also continuing to build an organisation which is connected to Canberra and the region. The Brumbies have always been about more than just what happens on the field and we will continue integrating with the community to make sure that tradition continues,"
Brumbies Head Coach Stephen Larkham meanwhile is looking forward to the Brumbies push towards winning the Australian Conference title.
"Having the uncertainty over the future of the Brumbies cleared up is certainly a positive result for everyone involved with the club," Larkham said.
"Whilst the players and staff have focused on being the best team we can be rumours and counter-rumours that have circulated around the decision have been a distraction. It will be great to concentrate solely on winning the Super Rugby competition in 2017.
"We have a young and hungry group of players who are working hard to succeed and represent the club to the best of their ability. The support of the Canberra public is something we never take for granted and we aim to go out each week to make you proud of our fantastic club,"
