Canberra's Ultimate Rugby Debate: Picking the Brumbies' All-Time Legends XV

With a grand final hanging in the balance, who do you want to give the ball to? Who do you want packing down in the front row or trying to force a turnover? These are the questions that have sparked passionate discussions among ACT Brumbies fans for decades, and now they have the chance to make their voices heard in an official capacity.

Fans Decide on Brumbies' Greatest Team

We've all had the conversation over a beer at the pub, or sitting in the stands on a cold night at Canberra Stadium. Who are the best ACT Brumbies of all time? Which stars of today could force legends out of title-winning teams? Now, fans are being called upon to cast their votes and decide on the club's Legends XV, as part of a competition-wide campaign to celebrate 30 years of Super Rugby.

Players selected in the ACT's all-time team will then go head-to-head with the best from every other club to determine the Super Rugby Pacific Legends XV. Trying to pick the Brumbies' best team of all time might just be one of the toughest assignments across the entire competition.

A Legacy of Champions and Modern Contenders

You could just about rattle off the names of the players who led the club to a pair of Super Rugby titles and be done with it. Stephen Larkham and George Gregan's names are written on top of a grandstand in Bruce. George Smith should have a statue—or, at least in Ben Alexander's eyes, a bar named after him.

But what about two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini? What about modern-day props Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper, who have doubled as Test captains? How about David Pocock, Nick Frost, and Tom Wright? For every internal selection debate Larkham has on the road to the Brumbies' season opener against the Western Force on February 14, this might be even harder to pick.

"I didn't vote for Steve, and I'm sure Steve didn't vote for me," Brumbies chairman Joe Roff grinned. Roff is among the contenders for a spot on the wing, joining a field including Henry Speight, Andy Muirhead, Clyde Rathbone, Mark Gerrard, and Corey Toole.

Position-by-Position Battles

Larkham headlines a list of flyhalf hopefuls including Christian Leali'ifano, Matt Toomua, and Noah Lolesio. "It's a wonderful reflection for all of Canberra to remember all of the great players that have come through over the last 30 years," Roff said. "I think it just shows how special this place is, that this is Canberra's team, and the quality of people and players we produce here."

Nine current Brumbies are among the contenders to be named in the club's greatest team of all time, while another three were wearing ACT colours just last year. So while the list is littered with grand final-winning greats, could some modern-day hopefuls force their way in, even though the ultimate prize has eluded them?

Front Row: James Slipper—the most-capped Wallaby of all time who is on the verge of breaking the Super Rugby games record—joins Scott Sio, Bill Young, and Patricio Noriega in the loosehead prop category. Lachlan Lonergan and Billy Pollard are among the options at hooker alongside Stephen Moore and Jeremy Paul. Brumbies captain Alaalatoa joins the club's most-capped player Ben Alexander, Ben Darwin, and Guy Sheperdson on the tighthead prop shortlist.
Second Row: David Giffin, Mark Chisholm, Justin Harrison, Rory Arnold, Nick Frost, and Radike Samo are the options in the second row.
Back Row: Owen Finegan headlines a list of blindside flanker options including Scott Fardy and Tom Hooper, while George Smith, David Pocock, and Brett Robinson round out a star-studded group of openside flankers. As for No.8? Jim Williams, Ben Mowen, and Scott Fava will look to keep out a fan favourite in Rob Valetini. Some people love him because of his afro. Others love him because he "smashes people".
Backline: George Gregan—a World Rugby Hall of Famer who remains the Wallabies' second most-capped player—is the favourite to be named at scrumhalf ahead of Nic White and Ryan Lonergan. And if you opt for Larkham at No.10, Leali'ifano gets another shot at inside centre alongside Matt Giteau, Rod Kafer, and Pat McCabe. Outside them are Stirling Mortlock, Tevita Kuridrani, Adam Ashley-Cooper, and Len Ikitau. And at fullback? Andrew Walker is an option alongside Tom Wright and predecessor Tom Banks.

Voting Deadline and Final Thoughts

Voting on the Brumbies Legends XV closes on February 5, before the competition-wide voting phase begins on February 9. This initiative not only celebrates the rich history of the Brumbies but also engages the Canberra community in a meaningful way, highlighting the deep connection between the team and its supporters.

The debate over the greatest Brumbies XV is more than just a selection exercise; it's a tribute to the players who have shaped Canberra's rugby identity over three decades. Whether you're a fan of the classic champions or the rising stars, your vote will help cement the legacy of the ACT Brumbies in Super Rugby history.