Super Rugby season 2015: ACT Brumbies going international in the hunt for a scrumhalf

THE Brumbies are making a bold play to lure one of two World Cup winning halfbacks — Andy Ellis and Fourie Du Preez — to the Canberra franchise next season.

Sport BCM 8.7.11 Reds vs Crusaders. Crusaders Andy Ellis. The Queensland Reds vs the Crusaders during the Super Rugby Final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pic Peter Wallis

THE Brumbies are making a bold play to lure one of two World Cup winning halfbacks — Andy Ellis and Fourie Du Preez — to the Canberra franchise next season.

With a significant pool of cash at their disposal to replace France-bound no. 9 Nic White, NewsCorp understands the Brumbies have targeted the Kiwi and South African Test stars for a marquee recruit spot and are in talks with both.

Though both firmly in the veteran category, either Ellis or DuPreez would bring immense experience to the Brumbies. DuPreez, who currently plays for Suntory in Japan, won 70 Test caps for the Springboks and was a part of South Africa’s 2007 World Cup winning side. He also won three Super Rugby titles with the Bulls.

Kieran Read and Andy Ellis celebrate after a try during the Super Ruby semi-final against the Sharks last season.

Ellis is about to embark on his tenth season with the powerful Crusaders, and has played in 26 Tests for the All Blacks — including the last half-hour of their 2011 World Cup triumph.

The 30-year-old Kiwi is believed to be the man more likely of making the switch to the Brumbies, however, and has spoken several times with Brumbies coaching staff.

The offshore search for White’s replacement came after Brumbies realised there are currently few ready-to-go half-back options in Australian rugby who aren’t already in run-on sides.

Meanwhile, David Pocock was yesterday named captain of the Brumbies for their season opener against the Reds, stepping in for Stephen Moore, who will return from a knee injury via the bench.

Pocock, too, will be also be returning from a second knee reconstruction is as many years but said he is confident he’ll get through.

“It’s feeling good. I’ve got through a whole pre-season, two pretty much full trials and I haven’t really thought about it, so I’m excited,” Pocock said.

“There have been no issues.”

The Brumbies were yesterday celebrating the announcement of a record $8 million, six-year naming rights sponsorship deal with casino operators Aquis Group.

It is the club’s largest ever deal and rescues the Brumbies from several years of ailing financial health.

Originally published as Super Rugby season 2015: ACT Brumbies going international in the hunt for a scrumhalf