Ryan Lonergan will become the 19th captain of the Brumbies when he leads the side out for the first time in Friday night's Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific round six clash against the Western Force at HBF Park, Perth.
A graduate of the Brumbies pathways program, Lonergan will lead the side from halfback, just the fourth ACT local to captain the Brumbies after Tom Cusack, Matt Giteau and George Gregan.
Ryan’s brother Lachlan Lonergan returns to the side as the starting hooker, with Brumbies centurion Scott Sio at loosehead and Sefo Kautai at tighthead, Kautai set for his starting debut in Brumbies colours.
Darcy Swain and Nick Frost continue their lock partnership for the trip west with the backrow of Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown and Pete Samu also retained from the Brumbies victory over the Queensland Reds in round five.
Rod Iona starts at flyhalf after guiding the Brumbies home to win last week, the Tuggeranong Vikings playmaker combining with his clubmate Lonergan in the halves.
Irae Simone is set to play his 50th game for the Brumbies at inside centre alongside Len Ikitau, with the back-three of Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright and Tom Banks unchanged for round six.
An exciting group of finishers sees Billy Pollard return as the rake impact, with pathways products Fred Kaihea and Tom Ross the prop replacements, Kaihea named for the first time in 2022.
Tom Hooper will have the potential to come on at lock or blindside flanker with ACT local Rory Scott returning to the Brumbies gameday 23 as the openside specialist.
Nic White will have an important role off the bench as the finishing halfback.
Midfielder Hudson Creighton is named for a potential Brumbies debut in jersey 22, with Jesse Mogg completing the matchday selection.
Brumbies head coach, Dan McKellar said: “We’re excited about this group who have been selected to travel to Perth to take on the Force.”
“We’ve had a squad mentality all season and we’re rotating in a few guys this week who have earned an opportunity and getting valuable recovery into a few players, particularly Allan and Slips who have put big shifts in these first five rounds.
“Seeing Ryan Lonergan lead the team out will be a proud day for everyone at the club and in ACT rugby who have watched him come through as a kid but it’s a responsibility he is more than ready for and not much will change for him.”
BRUMBIES TEAM FOR ROUND SIX OF SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC
1. Scott Sio
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Sefo Kautai
4. Darcy Swain
5. Nick Frost
6. Rob Valetini
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Pete Samu
9. Ryan Lonergan (C)
10. Rod Iona
11. Andy Muirhead
12. Irae Simone
13. Len Ikitau
14. Tom Wright
15. Tom Banks
REPLACEMENTS
16. Billy Pollard
17. Fred Kaihea
18. Tom Ross
19. Tom Hooper
20. Rory Scott
21. Nic White
22. Hudson Creighton
23. Jesse Mogg
The Brumbies will take on the Western Force in round six of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific at HBF Park on Friday March 25 at 10pm, live on the home of rugby, Stan Sport.
