Wallabies duo to lead Brumbies

Stephen Moore and Christian Leali'ifano will co-captain the Brumbies in the 2016 Super Rugby tournament.

The Wallabies duo were announced as captains on Friday, the first time in Brumbies history that the joint leadership system was chosen.

Moore, who will leave the franchise at the end of the season to rejoin the Reds and Leali'ifano, as a first-time captain, boast 207 Brumbies caps between them, with head coach Stephen Larkham admitting it's an ideal choice.

'It will lessen the load on each of the individuals. Stephen and Christian are exceptional leaders for this group, who have both earned the right to captain the Brumbies,' Larkham said. 'Whether it’s at training, in team meetings or on game day, both players take it upon themselves to lift the rest of the squad when they need it,' Larkham said.

Leali'ifano has been at the Brumbies since 2007 and says he's ecstatic with his new role and added responsibility.

'I guess you could say it’s been a 10-year apprenticeship for me. I'm very humbled to be given this opportunity and I'm grateful that Bernie [Larkham], his staff and the playing group have given us the backing to lead them,' Leali'ifano said.

'Looking down the track to be able to co-lead with Stephen Moore is a massive moment for myself and my family. Whatever I can learn and take forward to improve as a player and a leader, I’ll take on board.'

Moore, who also led the Wallabies at the 2015 World Cup, says he is pleased with the new captaincy structure.

'I'm very pleased to have Christian working alongside me. He’s been here the longest of any of the players and thoroughly deserves the opportunity. I’ll certainly be helping him in any way I can with what I’ve learnt about leadership and likewise I’ll certainly be picking things up from him to help the team.'

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