Ben Mowen will again lead the University of Canberra Brumbies in 2013 after Head Coach Jake White confirmed his Captain and Vice-Captains on Thursday morning.
Backing Mowen up as Vice-Captains for the 2013 Super Rugby season are Stephen Moore, Christian Lealiifano and new recruit David Pocock.
Now in his second year of rugby in the Australian Capital, Mowen proved a valuable leader in 2012 garnering the support of his teammates, Brumbies staff and the ACT community.
Mowen became the University of Canberra Brumbies 11th Captain in Week One of the 2012 Super Rugby season against the Western Force and has since gone on to claim another 14 caps as skipper.
He is currently equal sixth on the Brumbies list for most caps as Captain, along with Matt Giteau, on 15.
White said Mowen had proven himself to be a valuable leader of the Brumbies.
“Ben’s proven above and beyond that he is a quality leader and the right man to be Captain of this team into the future,” White said.
“There were numerous times through the season that his leadership proved the difference for the Brumbies and it’s a pleasure to have him back in the same position for 2013.
“Ben has not only my support but the entire playing group and the ACT community are with him too. He is an asset to the team and will work nicely with the Vice-Captains, David (Pocock), Stephen (Moore) and Christian (Lealiifano).”
Now in his second season as Vice-Captain of the Brumbies, Moore provided leadership and guidance for a young and inexperienced pack in 2012.
Having led the side as skipper on two occasions (2011 v Stormers; 2012 v Lions), Moore is one of the Brumbies most consistent performers.Following a breakout year in 2012, Lealiifano has been handed the VC's badge as he makes a return from a broken ankle.
Lealiifano was the form player of the Australian Conference in 2012 before suffering the break against the Waratahs, 10 games into the season.Rounding out the trio of Vice Captains for 2013 is David Pocock, who at 24 already boasts a wealth of leadership experience having led the Wallabies and the Western Force in 2012.
With 69 Super Rugby caps and 45 Tests, Pocock is one of Australia's most respected rugby brains and talented players.
The University of Canberra Brumbies are now looking towards their first trial game, against the Western Force at Rugby Park in Darwin on 1 February.
Ben Mowen
Pos: No. 8
H/W: 1.95m, 107kg
DOB: 1/12/1984,Brisbane
Senior Club: Tuggeranong, ACT
Provincial Rugby Caps: 62 [QLD 7, NSW 41]
Provincial Rugby Points: 15 (3t)
Provincial Rugby Debut: 2006 v Sharks [QLD]
Super Rugby Caps: 57
Super Rugby Points: 20 (4t)
Super Rugby Debut: 2006 v Sharks [QLD]
Christian Lealiifano
Pos: Flyhalf
H/W: 179cm, 95kg
DOB: 24/09/1987, Auckland, New Zealand
Senior Club: Tuggeranong, ACT
Super Rugby Caps: 52
Super Rugby Points: 163 (5t, 21c, 32p)
Super Rugby Debut: 2008 v Crusaders, Christchurch
David Pocock
Pos: Openside Flanker
H/W: 184cm, 104kg
DOB: 23/04/1988, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Super Rugby Caps: 69 (69 Force)
Super Rugby Points: 40 (8t)
Super Rugby Debut: 2006 v Sharks, Durban (Force)
Test Rugby Caps: 45
Test Rugby Points: 20 (4t)
Test Rugby Debut: 2008 v New Zealand, Hong Kong
Stephen Moore
Pos: Hooker
H/W: 186cm, 112kg
DOB: 20/01/1983, Khamis, Saudi Arabia
Senior Club: Easts, ACT
Super Rugby Caps: 100
Super Rugby Points: 35 (7t)
Super Rugby Debut: 2003 (Reds) v Bulls, Pretoria
Test Rugby Caps: 74
Test Rugby Points: 25 (5t)
Test Rugby Debut: 2005 v Samoa, Sydney
