Not just gloom for Brumbies after difficult year

AGM: The Brumbies announced an AU$468 484 (ZAR5,2 million) loss after a difficult year for sporting franchises across the globe at their Annual General Meeting on Thursday evening.

On the field, despite unprecedented challenges in 2020, the Brumbies were able to secure the inaugural Super Rugby AU title thanks to a 28-23 victory over the Queensland Reds..

The Brumbies will have 28 of the championship squad return in 2021 for the new season which will see a Trans-Tasman competition follow the second instalment of Super Rugby AU.

Before their season was brought to a halt due to COVID-19, the Brumbies women’s side had secured a playoff spot for the second season in succession and were due to take on the Reds in Brisbane for a spot in the final.

Under strict COVID-19 restrictions, ACT and Southern NSW club rugby was still able to thrive with all competitions being able to finish their seasons with a finals series in October. Participation did dip in 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 30% in senior competitions and 15% in juniors.

Mr. Matt Nobbs will continue as Chair of the board while Mr. Mark Sullivan AO will step down after two years of service.

Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson said: “2020 was without doubt, the most challenging season in the Brumbies history.”

“Though we are disappointed to not post a profit as we have done in the previous three years, the loss is significantly less than first feared when Super Rugby was shut down, and that is down to the commitment and sacrifice shown by everyone in the organisation.

“Winning Super Rugby AU and delivering our competitions in the ACT and across the region in the most difficult of circumstances, is something we as an organisation are immensely proud of.

“Finally, I’d like to thank Mr. Mark Sullivan AO for his commitment to the Brumbies these past two years and his support of the Brumbies since 1996.”