Carter and Lealiifano to lead Brumbies

Brumbies coach, Stephen Larkham, has decided to go with Sam Carter and Christian Lealiifano as co-captains heading into Super Rugby 2017, it was announced at the Brumbies Season Launch on Wednesday.

Carter will be performing the on-field duties, while Lealiifano recovers from a bone-marrow transplant that was performed late last year, after being diagnosed with leukaemia last August.

Carter is a 13-test capped Wallaby and has made 79 Super Rugby appearances for the Brumbies says he is relishing the leadership role.

“It’s a huge honour for me, I’m really excited about the season ahead,” Carter said.

 
“He [Stephen Larkham] told me a couple of weeks ago, and it was a little bit of a shock but it was also something I wanted, I was confident that I could fulfil the role.”

 
“We’ve got huge leaders in the team, we’ve got blokes with massive experience and that can only help moving forward. The boys in the team really look up to them and that makes my job easier.”

Head coach Stephen Larkham also commented on Lealiifano influence on the side:

“You can see a noticeable lift when Christian is around,” Larkham said. “He’s a motivator and he’s got immense respect from the players.

 
“I’m optimistic about a possible return for Christian and, whilst playing this season is unlikely, we hope he will be in a position to train with the squad later in the year.”

 
The Brumbies continue their pre-season preparations this weekend when they travel to Mudgee to take on the Waratahs in a trial match at Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium, before their opening match Super Rugby match against the Crusaders in Christchurch.