Brumbies bring in Wallabies for Global Tens
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’ November 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 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 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: Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Kyle Godwin, Tomàs Cubelli, Tom Banks, Scott Sio, Nic Jooste, Joe Powell, Andrew Smith, Lausii Taliauli, Aidan Toua, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Robbie Abel, Allan Alaalatoa, Chris Alcock, Jarrad Butler, Tom Staniforth, Blake Enever, Saia Faingaa, Lolo Fakaosilea, Ben Hyne, Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin, Nic Mayhew, Jordan Smiler, Stephen Larkham, Andrew Walker.
