Super Rugby
Leali'ifano promoted to Brumbies captaincy alongside Moore
ESPN staff
January 29, 2016
© Stefan Postles/Getty Images

The Brumbies have unveiled co-captains for the 2016 Super Rugby season, with the recently re-signed Christian Leali'ifano joining Stephen Moore as a franchise leader.

The move to co-captains is largely a response to Moore's impending return to Queensland Reds at the end of the season, allowing the Brumbies to look to the future without abandoning the Wallabies skipper altogether.

Leali'ifano signed a two-year contract extension earlier this week, making him an obvious candidate to lead the two-time champions into the future.

"The opportunity to become the 14th captain of the club I joined as a teenager is an incredibly humbling honour," Leali'ifano said.

"This place has played a big part in my life and in my journey growing up as well. I'm excited about what's ahead and it's an absolute privilege to be named co-captain of such an amazing club."

Wallabies forwards Scott Fardy and David Pocock were also captaincy options but coach Stephen Larkham eventually settled on Moore and Leali'ifano -- a duo he believes will learn from each other.

"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.

"Having players like Stephen and Christian to look up to and learn from is invaluable for younger members of the team. They lead from the front every day and aren't afraid to make the tough calls when the game is on the line.

"I think that Stephen and Christian can learn a lot from each other and our team and our club can only benefit. It allows both players to really focus on our efforts on the field."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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