Brumbies CEO begs members to turn up to boost woeful crowds

The Brumbies chief executive Michael Thomson and chairman Phil Thomson have begged with members to turn up to watch after registering their second lowest ever crowd against the Rebels.

In an email sent to members, the pair explained the need gate-takings play in funding grassroots initiatives.

“We know you want rugby to thrive in this region and, in part, to achieve this, we need a successful side playing in front of big crowds,” the email reads.

“The funds attendance at games enables us to invest back into our programs... and without your support and those funds the Brumbies may no longer exist.”

The team will donate $5,000 to three separate charities if they can reach their targeted crowd of 15,000 for their next match against the bottom-placed Sunwolves.

The Brumbies are second-to-last on the overall ladder, despite pre-season commitments to play more attacking rugby, are second worst in tries scored and worst in points scored. The Brumbies rank in the bottom five in line breaks, tackle busts and offloading.

“Scheduling is a challenge but if we play the right football, we play entertaining and continue to connect with our community we’re confident people will come,” Thomson said.

“If you look at the history of sporting teams in Canberra, sometimes they turn quickly and we’re confident if we continue to do the right things people will come back.”

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