The Plus500 Brumbies have today announced they will take on the Western Force in their only Super Rugby preseason trial on Saturday February 6 at 5:30pm at Viking Park.
2021 promises to be an exciting year for Super Rugby, and just over 2000 Brumbies fans will get their first chance to see their side at the Erindale venue, before their first home game against the NSW Waratahs at GIO Stadium on Saturday February 27.
The match, which will consist of three 30 minute periods, will also serve as a first glimpse at the new-look Western Force for Dan McKellar's side, who will make the trip to Perth to take on the WA outfit in round one of Super Rugby AU on Friday February 19, broadcast live on the new home of rugby, Stan Sport.
With the team having just one preseason hit-out before kicking off their quest for back-to-back Super Rugby AU titles, it is likely McKellar will field a strong side, with the Brumbies' Wallabies representatives also expected to be available.
The Viking Park fixture will also be a homecoming for some in the Force ranks.
Long time Brumbies outside centre Tevita Kuridrani will be in opposition colours for the first time, with former Brumbies Ian Prior, Kyle Godwin, Tomas Cubelli and Academy graduate Angus Wagner likely to be in the Force’s travelling group.
The visitors are also expected to have Irish international star Rob Kearney in their squad along with Argentinian Internationals Cubelli, Tomas Lezana, Santiago Medrano and Domingo Miotti.
Force mentor Tim Sampson is another familiar face to ACT rugby, with the former Tuggeranong coach returning again to Viking Park in WA blue.
Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: "We're really excited to get back on the field and especially to be able to kick off our year here in Canberra in front of our supporters."
"The whole squad and the support staff have worked incredibly hard over the last few months and I'm sure the players are looking forward to putting some of the things we've worked on into practise on the field.
"It will be a great opportunity to play against the Force who have a really strong squad and a number of players and staff who have spent time in the ACT Rugby community."
Tickets are available here.
