Brumbies Head Coach Dan McKellar announced this afternoon that Sam Carter and Christian Lealiifano will continue in the role of co-captains for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
The duo shared the duties last season though Carter shouldered the on-field work after Lealiifano was diagnosed with leukaemia at the end of 2016.
Brumbies Head Coach Dan McKellar said stability of the role was one of the reasons for choosing the same leadership duo.
“Both Sam and Christian did a good job as co-captains last season showing excellent leadership both on and off the field,” McKellar said.
“In reappointing them for the new season we are maintaining our continuity of leadership and I am certain that they will both have a big impact in the role during the year. It’s important for our captains to have the respect of their teammates and both Sam and Christian definitely have that.”
Carter became the fifteenth man to lead out the Brumbies when he skippered the side for the first-time last year against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
“Over the last twelve months Sam has developed into an outstanding leader,” McKellar said. “The way he has led from the front in his actions during pre-season has certainly impressed both the staff and players.
The head coach said that Lealiifano had hit the ground running during pre-season training.
“Christian comes back to the club having benefitted enormously from his time with Ulster in the PRO14. Having that game-time under his belt will be a big bonus heading into the Super Rugby season and he has hit the ground running at training.”
It will be the third season in a row the Brumbies have had co-captains after Lealiifano and Steve Moore shared the job back in 2016.
The Brumbies aren’t short of experienced leaders throughout the team with dynamic flanker David Pocock set to pull on the Brumbies jumper again during the Super Rugby season and the likes of Wallaby star Scott Sio and most-capped Brumby Ben Alexander also leading from the front.
The Brumbies kick-off their 2018 season with a trial match against the Rebels at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan on Saturday 3 February with kick-off at 6 pm.
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