Smith takes Brumbies' reins

Smith takes Brumbies' reins

January 11, 2008 - 9:22pm
Story by: Sportal

Wallabies flanker George Smith has been appointed Brumbies' captain for the first part of the 2008 Investec Super 14 season.

The 27 year old will fill in as CA Brumbies skipper in the absence of regular captain Stirling Mortlock who is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.

Smith, who led the CA Brumbies in six matches – including four wins – during 2007, says he's proud to have the opportunity to captain the side again.

"It’s always an honour to lead the Brumbies,” said Smith. “To have the confidence of your teammates to captain the side is very humbling."

“It’s disappointing not to have Stirlo on the field for the first few games but our challenge is to set our season up in the initial weeks for when he returns."

“We’ve had an excellent pre-season block so far and everyone is really excited about the beginning of the season. The support we’ve received from our supporters already has been overwhelming and we can’t wait for the season to start.”

Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher has declared Smith is a respected leader within the team.

“We have no hesitation in offering George the captaincy in Stirling’s absence,” said Fisher.

“George is a player who has always led the side by his actions, irrespective of whether he’s captain or not."

“We appreciate that this may not necessarily be a role that he is looking to occupy on a full-time basis but on the occasions that he has led both the Brumbies and the Wallabies he’s done a first-class job," he said.

The vice captain will come from a leadership group, including Nic Henderson, Alister Campbell, Julian Huxley, Clyde Rathbone, Mortlock and Smith.