The Brumbies Confirm Departures
- 2412
The Brumbies are set to say farewell to a number of the 2020 squad and two coaches after winning the 2020 Super Rugby AU title.
After a successful second stint in the capital, Brumby #161 Lachlan McCaffrey is set to continue his career in Japan next season. McCaffrey rejoined the Brumbies in 2018 after a formative period in Europe, and has been an influential figure in the team's success both on and off the field in his time at the club.
McCaffrey will be joined in the land of the rising sun by Brumby #214 Murray Douglas who departs following two seasons with the Brumbies.
The Brumbies also confirmed the futures of Brumby #150 Tevita Kuridrani and Brumby #178 Joe Powell, the two experienced campaigners continuing their careers with the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels respectively.
Livewire winger Toni Pulu will also wind up his time with the Brumbies after two seasons.
The Brumbies will retain most of the Super Rugby AU championship squad in 2021 with 28 players contracted to continue at the club in 2021 which represents the highest level of retention in a decade.
Assistant coaches Pete Hewat and Ruaidhrí Murphy are also set for new challenges after agreeing to join the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan, as Back and Forwards coach respectively.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: “It's always sad when players leave the squad and these three, along with Tevita and Joey have been big contributors to our club and to our success the last few seasons."
"McCaffrey has been a real leader for us in my time as Head coach, around HQ and on the field and Murray has been excellent in his time at the Brumbies, as has Toni when he's had a run of games.
"We wish them all nothing but the best in their next challenge and they'll always be welcome here at the Brumbies.
"Same for Pete and Ruaidhri. It's been a pleasure working with them over the last couple of years, two young coaches with a bright future in the game.
"While there's always change at the end of a season, we have 28 players returning to the group next year which is a real win for us, it's the smallest turnover in 10 years.
"With Laurie Fisher and I providing continuity on the coaching side of things I'm more than confident we'll be ready to go in 2021."