Mortlock stands down as Hoiles takes over

[lara93]

http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...608676084.html

Stirling Mortlock's five years as ACT Brumbies captain is over.

The Australian skipper will today officially stand down from the primary leadership role he has held at the Super 14 club since taking over from George Gregan in 2004.

Stephen Hoiles, who only joined the Brumbies two seasons ago from the NSW Waratahs, will become his replacement.

Mortlock's decision to surrender the captaincy comes as little surprise, after he would not commit to the role before Christmas following a discussion with coach Andy Friend.

The 31-year-old intends to remain as Wallabies skipper but it is understood he believed the time was right to hand the Brumbies mantle to a younger player destined for an eventual leadership role.

Friend informed the playing group of the announcement on Sunday night in Jervis Bay, where the players are spending the week at a naval training base.

Hoiles, 27, will become the fourth player appointed as long-term captain of the Brumbies behind Brett Robinson, Gregan and Mortlock since the club joined Super rugby in 1996.

Ewen McKenzie, Owen Finegan, Alister Campbell and George Smith are the only other players to have acted as stand-in skippers in that time.

Hoiles' only senior captaincy experience came last year with Sydney club Randwick, which he played for after the Super 14 season when snubbed by Wallabies selectors.

He led the team to the NSW final but lost to Sydney University.

In an indication of his backing for him, Friend also elevated Hoiles into the Brumbies' senior leadership group for the coming season.

Smith was the obvious replacement for Mortlock but the veteran Wallabies openside flanker has baulked in the past at the possibility of becoming the club's next long-term leader.

Even as recently as the first half of last season, when he led the team while Mortlock was sidelined with a shoulder injury, Smith indicated he would prefer not to be the permanent future captain.

The Brumbies' first Super 14 match for the season is against the Otago Highlanders in Dunedin on February13.

[Burgs]

Not surprised with Mortlock but am surprised with Hoiles.
Would think it may provide some selection issues during the season.

[force addict]

definitely surprised with Hoiles.

[mudskipper]

Hoilesy is talked of very highly in Sydney rugby for his leadership qualities... Only 2 years at the Brumbies but he looks to be committed to the team long term now. The Brumbies gave him a go when he couldn’t get a regular start under McKenzie at the Tahs...and he made the RWC squad...

Friend must strongly see him winning a starting spot each week I guess... It’s going to be very competitive for the Brumbies loosies to get starts this year with Smith, Hoiles, Salvi, Mitchell, Chapman, Noodles and former Aus 7s captain Shawn Mackay… it looks like Friend wont be playing a traditional large no.8 this season opting for a faster ELVs loosies… good move

The rest will be locked in as locks, Chisholm, Timani, Hand and possibly Kimlin (noodles).

Friend has already been on record saying he expects players to commit and compete to a key position and focus on the key skills required for that role… then develop other skills. Perhaps Fisher didn’t lock the guys down enough over the years.