The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies will this week pay homage to it's proud history, including it's memorable 2004 Super Rugby Grand Final win over the Crusaders.
To mark the occasion, the Brumbies will don a special edition 2024 Heritage Jersey against the Crusaders in Round 13 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition, this Saturday May 18, with the match kicking off from 2:35PM AEST at GIO Stadium.
Marking 20 years since the club lifted the covered Super Rugby trophy, 2004 Grand Finalists Stephen Larkham, Joe Roff, Scott Fava and Jone Tawake were on hand to launch the 2024 Heritage Collection at GIO Stadium. Sporting the original ACT Brumbies logo when the club was established in 1996, the 2024 Heritage Jersey features a distinguished navy-blue collar evoking memories of one of the organisation's greatest triumphs.
Played in front of a record Canberra Stadium crowd attendance of 28,753, a record which still stands today, the 2004 Super Rugby Grand Final was considered one of the most entertaining finals in the competition's history. The win was highlighted with a Brumbies five-try opening blitz that blew the home side out to a 33-0 lead after 20 minutes.
The Canterbury-based Crusaders, one the most successful Super Rugby franchises staged a comeback to cut the lead down to 40-28 with a couple of minutes remaining. Though a try to Joe Roff shut down the Crusaders momentum, the Brumbies holding on to clinch their second Super Rugby title in front of a boisterous Canberra crowd, 47-38.
ACT Brumbies 47 (Tries: Mark Gerrard 3, Joe Roff 2, Jeremy Paul and Matt Giteau; Conversions: Joe Roff 6) def. Crusaders 38 (Tries: Richie McCaw, Aaron Mauger, Brad Thorn, Chris King, Casey Laulala and Daniel Carter; Conversions: Daniel Carter 4)
The special edition Heritage Collection range will also include a retro training top, beanie and jumper to commemorate the club's proud history. Which is available for purchase on the Brumbies Online store here.
The lead up to the Brumbies Round 13 fixture against the Crusaders will feature the organisation's annual State of the Union event on Friday, May 17 at the iconic Hotel Realm. Brought to you by Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers, the Rugby Luncheon serves as the major fundraiser for local community driven rugby programs as well as the pathway and academies for men and women.
A guest panel featuring Brumbies alumni David Giffin and Owen Finegan, as well as former Crusaders players Corey Flynn and Aaron Mauger. The lunch is a 3 course sit-down, where guests can enjoy networking, mingling with rugby greats and a entertaining guest panel.
The event will also see a live auction with multiple luxurious items and experiences, guests will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact as they treat themselves through the event. Also added to the auction list will be the all the Brumbies game worn jerseys from in the following nights Crusaders match at GIO Stadium.
2024 State of the Union Lunch
Date: Friday, May 17
Time: 12:00PM AEST - 4:00PM AEST
Address: Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600
Costs: $325.00 PP - General Admission Seat or $3,025.00 - General Admission Table of 10
To purchase tickets or to donate to the Brumbies Foundation click here.
If you would like further information, please contact Lisa Smith at l.smith@brumbies.com.au
