Eight Wallabies will spearhead the Brumbies’ squad selected to compete for the inaugural Brisbane Global Rugby Tens title.
The 2016 Super Rugby Australian Conference winner’s side boasts nine internationally capped players and nine with more than 50 Super Rugby games under their belt.
Among the internationals named in the squad is the mercurial Tevita Kuridrani, whose four-try haul in the Wallabies’ spring tour rightly secured his star status.
Joining him at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on February 11 and 12 will be fellow Wallabies Henry Speight, Scott Sio, Saia Fainga’a, Kyle Godwin, Allan Alaalatoa plus established Argentinian international Tomas Cubelli.Wildcard selections Stephen Larkham and Andrew Walker will add an invaluable layer of experience to an already strong side.In addition to the wealth of experience, the Brumbies squad features a number of rising stars who have progressed through local Canberra rugby pathways, including Joe Powell, Jordan Jackson-Hope and Tom Staniforth.
The team also includes Auckland-born prop Nic Mayhew – the son of former All Blacks team doctor John ‘Doc’ Mayhew.
“We are looking forward to the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens competition and the challenge that it presents us,” Head Coach Stephen Larkham commented.
“We only have two trial matches ahead of the Tens competition so the tournament will provide some valuable playing time for the squad ahead of the Super Rugby season.”Rachael Carroll, CEO of event organisers Duco Australia said it was fantastic to see such a range of talent selected.
“The Brumbies will clearly be a force to be reckoned with at the first ever Brisbane Global Rugby Tens,” said Ms Carroll.“With around 900 Super Rugby caps between them, these players have proved their skills at the highest levels.”The Brumbies face the Highlanders, Toulon and South Africa’s Blue Bulls in the pool stages of the tournament.
BRUMBIES SQUAD FOR BRISBANE GLOBAL RUGBY TENS
Henry Speight
Tevita Kuridrani
Kyle Godwin
Tomás Cubelli
Tom Banks
Scott Sio
Nic Jooste
Joe Powell
Andrew Smith
Lausii Taliauli
Aidan Toua
Jordan Jackson-HopeRobbie Abel
Allan Alaalatoa
Chris Alcock
Jarrad Butler
Tom Staniforth
Blake Enever
Saia Fainga’a
Lolo Fakaosilea
Ben Hyne
Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin
Nic Mayhew
Jordan Smiler
Stephen Larkham (wildcard)
Andrew Walker (wildcard)
