The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies will farewell and celebrate the valuable contribution of five players and two coaches following Friday night’s game against the Rebels, with assistant coach Dan Palmer set to depart the club for a new challenge overseas following the conclusion of his role with the Wallabies at Rugby World Cup in France.
Brumby 132, Palmer joined the club’s coaching staff on a full-time basis for the first time this season having been in charge of the Brumbies scrum for two separate stints after hanging up his boots in 2015.
Palmer was named as part of Eddie Jones’ Wallabies staff earlier this month and will join former Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar at the Leicester Tigers.
Laurie Fisher confirmed he would step down from full-time coaching at the end of the season earlier in the year, and the club is urging the wider ACT and Southern NSW Rugby community to join us in celebrating Fisher, and our departing Brumbies family after Friday’s game against the Rebels.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies assistant coach, Dan Palmer said: “I know it is said a lot, but since arriving in 2010 the Brumbies has become a family to me. I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities I have been given, both as a player and coach.
“I have been involved in this club for 13 years now and I hope that over that time I have contributed something, however small, towards making the club better.
“The decision to leave was very difficult, however I believe it is the right one for both me and the club at this time.
“The current squad is in a strong position with a good mix of experience and emerging young talent. I have no doubt that this group will continue to grow and be among the best in the Super Rugby competition.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey to this point, I am forever indebted to Brumbies Rugby and hope to contribute more to the club in the future.”
Brumby 143 Jesse Mogg will move on at the end of the season.
Mogg joined the club’s academy in 2011, excelling for Wests in the Bentspoke John I Dent Cup before making his debut in round one of 2012.
The flying fullback was a crucial member of the Brumbies side who beat the British and Irish Lions and made the Super Rugby Grand Final in 2013, and departs having made a lasting impression on Brumbies fans.
ACT local Tom Ross will also depart the club, the Daramalan college product having graduated through the Brumbies pathways program to make his debut in 2019, earning 32 caps for the Brumbies to date.
Nic White and Pete Samu’s departure was confirmed in May, White heading west to join the Force, Samu continuing his career overseas and centre Chris Feauai-Sautia the final member of the Brumbies squad departing at season’s end.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies CEO, Phil Thomson said: “This time of year where we say goodbye to valuable members of our organisation is always difficult.”
“It’s been a pleasure to watch Dan’s development as a coach and we wish him all the best in Leicester.
“Every player that wears the jersey makes a contribution to our club, and we thank Chris and Tom for giving their all to the Brumbies, particularly Tom who realised every young player's dream of playing for their hometown team.
“A special mention to Nic, Jesse and Pete who will go down as some of the best to ever wear a Brumbies jersey. All three have made indelible marks on the club, Nic of course having played more than 100 games in two memorable periods.
“As always, our departing players and staff will always be welcome at Brumbies HQ and we look forward to celebrating their time with the Brumbies after Friday night’s game.”
