Brumbies issue ’call to arms’ to Canberra fans to help fight off the threat Super Rugby axe

​THE Brumbies have issued a public plea to their supporters to turn up to home games and help fight off the threat of getting axed from Super Rugby.

The Brumbies sit at the top of the Aussie conference.

​THE Brumbies have issued an public “call to arms” to Canberra fans, pleading with their supporters to turn up to home games and help fight off the threat of getting axed from Super Rugby.

The unusual statement came ahead of the Brumbies’ big clash against the Highlanders on Saturday night at GIO Stadium.

“After weeks of speculation in the national media regarding the future of the Super Rugby competition and its structure, the Brumbies are asking the people of Canberra and the surrounding region to show their commitment to the team,” the statement read.

The Brumbies sit at the top of the Aussie conference.

The Brumbies are on top of the Australian conference after beating NSW in Sydney last week but with the ARU potentially cutting one Australian franchise under a new Super Rugby structure, the ACT outfit is still one of three franchises under threat, along with Melbourne and the Western Force.

The Brumbies on-field achievements aren’t in question — they’re historically the most successful Aussie franchise in Super Rugby — but the small Canberra market has often made life tough for the club financially.

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Drawing decent crowds is a constant challenge and after the Brumbies only got 8559 to their final against the Highlanders last year, modest attendances of 8647 and 8738 for their two home games this year have presumably made Brumbies officials nervous.

While Canberra crowd slumps over time are traced to corresponding popularity of the Raiders — and vice-versa — the timing of this one is not ideal for the Brumbies.

“The club is committed to a long future in this city,” CEO Michael Thomson said in the statement.

The Brumbies brass is concerned about crowd numbers.

“We believe we are more than just a rugby team. We are proud representatives of Canberra and the region on the national and international stage.”

“We have had several inquiries regarding the best way to show your support and passion for Brumbies Rugby and the best way to do that is through your action. ​”​

​Coach Stephen Larkham said the Waratahs’ victory showed how strong the team​ is and captain Sam Carter said “it would certainly be a huge boost to see a big crowd in the stands ahead of the match against the Highlanders.”

“The people of Canberra and the surrounding have been supportive of rugby for a long time and we appreciate their commitment to the club,” Carter said.

Josh Mann-Rea (knee) has been ruled out of the Highlanders’ clash and will replaced by Robbie Abel.

Originally published as Brumbies issue ’call to arms’ to Canberra fans to help fight off the threat Super Rugby axe