University of Canberra Brumbies set for Super Rugby success

Ed O'Daly

31 January 2012: The University of Canberra will be the naming rights partner for the Brumbies for the 2012 Super Rugby Season.

The University of Canberra Brumbies, as they will be known, already have a close relationship with the University and there are significant mutual benefits from the partnership.

Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker said it made sense for Canberra’s university to partner with Canberra’s elite rugby union side.

“The University of Canberra and the Brumbies have a lot in common. We both proudly represent the Australian capital and serve its community, but we both have a national and international outlook and reputation,” Professor Parker said.

“Both organisations take pride in their focus on professionalism, service, innovation and health.”

Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan and Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker with Brumbies players. Photographer: Michelle McAulay

Professor Parker said the University of Canberra had a strong track record in research and teaching in sport and was on course to become an international centre of excellence in the field.

The two organisations have previously collaborated on research and expect to expand opportunities for University of Canberra students and researchers to work with the Brumbies.

Professor Parker encouraged the University’s students and staff to get behind the University of Canberra Brumbies in the forthcoming Super Rugby season.

“In North America, universities, sports teams and communities unite over college football. I hope our University community can go some way to emulate this tradition by supporting the University of Canberra Brumbies in their 2012 campaign,” Professor Parker said.

As an ‘elite athlete friendly university’, the University of Canberra is able to count some of the country’s top sports people among its students and alumni.

Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan and former Brumbies and Wallabies captain George Gregan are both University of Canberra graduates. Prop Ben Alexander is a current student.