Canberra’s sporting faithful are being given the opportunity to shape history, as the ACT Brumbies launch a fan-driven campaign to determine the club’s greatest ever team. The initiative, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Super Rugby and the Brumbies’ own establishment, invites supporters to vote for a Legends XV, with the winning lineup to be revealed in the coming weeks.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The campaign is structured in two phases. The first, currently underway, focuses on club-level voting, allowing fans to select the best players in Brumbies history to form a Club Legends XV. Voting for this initial phase closes on . The players garnering the most votes will then advance to phase two, beginning on .
In this second phase, the Brumbies’ selections will compete against the Legends XVs chosen by the other eleven Super Rugby Pacific clubs. The ultimate goal is to determine the overall Super Rugby Pacific Legends XV – a dream team representing the best players from three decades of competition.
Difficult Decisions for Brumbies Fans
The Brumbies’ storied history presents fans with a series of challenging choices. The club’s website highlights several key positional battles, prompting debate among supporters. At fly-half, the tactical brilliance of Stephen Larkham is pitted against the composure of Christian Leali’ifano. The scrum-half position sees a contest between the experienced George Gregan and the precision of Ryan Lonergan.
The forward pack also presents tough calls. Fans must decide between the all-around excellence of George Smith, the relentless physicality of David Pocock, and the leadership of original captain Brett Robinson in the back row. Up front, the selection process is complicated by a wealth of talent, including Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper, Patricio Noriega, and Bill Young.
Celebrating 30 Years of Rugby
The Legends XV campaign is more than just a popularity contest; it’s a celebration of the Brumbies’ legacy and the broader history of Super Rugby. The initiative acknowledges the contributions of players from across different eras, recognizing both the established icons and the modern-day stars who have shaped the club’s identity.
As one LinkedIn commenter noted, choosing between legends like George Smith and David Pocock is a particularly difficult task, acknowledging the exceptional contributions of both players. Another commenter highlighted the sheer depth of talent that has worn the Brumbies jersey over the years, emphasizing the difficulty of narrowing down the selection to just fifteen players.
A Fan-Driven Future for Sports
The Brumbies’ approach represents a growing trend in sports engagement, where fans are given a more active role in shaping the narrative and celebrating the history of their favorite teams. By empowering supporters to select the Legends XV, the club is fostering a deeper connection with its fanbase and acknowledging the importance of their contributions to the Brumbies’ success.
This campaign isn’t isolated. It reflects a broader shift towards fan-driven content and experiences, recognizing that the passion and knowledge of supporters are invaluable assets. The Brumbies are pioneering a model that could be adopted by other clubs and leagues, transforming the way sports history is preserved and celebrated.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond the prestige of being named to the Brumbies’ Legends XV, the selected players will have the opportunity to compete for a place in the overall Super Rugby Pacific Legends XV. This competition-wide vote promises to be a hotly contested affair, with fans from across the league eager to champion their own club’s heroes.
The campaign also serves as a reminder of the Brumbies’ rich history and the club’s enduring legacy in Australian rugby. As the team prepares for the next chapter in its journey, celebrating the past is crucial for inspiring future generations of players and supporters. The outcome of the vote will undoubtedly spark further discussion and debate among fans, ensuring that the stories of the Brumbies’ legends continue to be told for years to come.
Fans eager to participate can cast their votes by clicking here. The campaign is a testament to the enduring power of fan engagement and the importance of celebrating the players who have made the ACT Brumbies a force to be reckoned with in Super Rugby.
