Brumbies turn to legend for leadership
SUPER RUGBY NEWS: Christian Lealiifano has been named as the Brumbies Captain for the 2019 Super Rugby campaign.
The outstanding flyhalf, who was co-captain alongside lock Sam Carter in both 2017 and 2018, will take on the armband in a sole capacity for the new season.
Playmaker Lealiifano will be assisted by a strong leadership group which will feature Wallabies international back row forward David Pocock who has been installed as vice-captain.
“I’m humbled to have been given the responsibility to lead the Brumbies as Captain for the 2019 season,” Lealiifano commented of his appointment to the role.
“We are extremely lucky at the Brumbies in that we have a core of many experienced leaders who could be called upon to lead at any stage this year and will provide great support throughout the season.
“I’m very fortunate to have the experience of these guys around me and I also love seeing the future leaders growing in this space.
“This season promises to be an entertaining one with the side committed to playing a fast, attacking brand of rugby. We have an excellent squad with some exciting youngsters ready to shine alongside the more experienced players.
“We hope to see lots of Brumbies fans at GIO Stadium this year cheering on the side as we aim for the Super Rugby title.”
Lealiifano will be supported by back row forward David Pocock, who has been appointed as vice-captain, with both players a cornerstone of the Brumbies line-up.
“Christian is our natural leader and has been for a number of years now,” Head Coach Dan McKellar commented. “He’s a highly respected player both throughout the playing group, the staff and the organisation.
“He is approachable for both the players and staff and I have a really good relationship with Christian which is important between coach and captain.
“He has been a part of this club for a long time and leads through his actions. He demands high standards of himself and others, so it was an easy choice for me for 2019.”
The Brumbies season begins with a home match on Friday, February 15, when the Rebels are the visitors to Canberra.
Before that, the team travels to Goulburn next Thursday, February 7, for their final pre-season trial match against the Waratahs. A
