'Proud day' - Brumbies revert to original name last used in 2004

The Brumbies have re-inserted the 'ACT' back into their name for the first time since 2004 - it has been revealed.

Henceforth the club’s Super Rugby Pacific, Super W and Junior Representative sides will again be known as the ACT Brumbies for the first time in 18 years.

The ACT Brumbies’ Board of Directors ratified the decision to re-establish the clubs original name in a bid to "symbolically" reconnect to the nation’s capital.

Australian journalist Christy Doran wrote: "Good decision to see the Brumbies return to being the ACT Brumbies. Connection with the community paramount. Ridiculous Super Rugby ever moved to a franchise game, excluding the people they represent."

ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “Speaking on behalf of the current group, and for past players who have proudly worn the ACT Brumbies jersey, this is a fantastic step by the organisation.”

“The team under Dan have been playing some great rugby, and our job is to continue that on in 2023, but it’s also to genuinely engage with our community, so that they get that sense of pride in the team and the club.

“Generating support in the stands is obviously part of that, but it’s also about growing the game, giving kids a moment with a player which might inspire them to take up the game, or keep playing; that’s part of our purpose as a club and as head coach I’m excited to help drive that.”

ACT Brumbies Chairman, Matt Nobbs said: “It’s an exciting and proud day for the organisation and the club to officially re-introduce ourselves as the ACT Brumbies.”

“Our commitment to our region will continue to grow, and we hope to confirm trial games outside of Canberra for 2023 shortly, but the Australian Capital Territory is and has always been our home and with this decision, we want to formally re-connect ourselves to our local community, so that they feel a sense of ownership and belonging to our club once again. “

ACT Brumbies CEO, Phil Thomson said: “I whole-heartedly support the Board’s decision to re-instate the ‘ACT’ into the name of the club’s senior and junior representative sides.”

“Although COVID-19 restrictions affected this, as a club and as an organisation, we recognise that we must do more to ensure the ACT community is proud to support the Brumbies and connecting to the ACT is a primary focus of our organisation moving forward, while continuing our valued commitment and support to regional NSW.”