Brumbies refusing to rest players ahead of Test window

The Brumbies are refusing to rest three of their stars despite being asked to stand down players before they take up Wallaby duty over the next few weeks.

The Brumbies are set to name David Pocock, Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa in their team to play against the Sunwolves, with all three expressing a desire to play the Sunday afternoon fixture.

An offer to restrict the workload of the trio in order to appease the national side is in place.

Brumbies CEO Michael Thomson said: “Our obligation is to rugby in this region, our members and our fans.

“We need to recognise that. We’re still trying to work through this issue and hope a resolution to the benefit of both parties can be reached.”

Continue reading below

It has been reported that the Wallabies only requested the players be rested just nine days before their match, despite the June international draw being available since September last year.

To add perspective, former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans announced a Wallaby stand down ahead of his side’s series against the British and Irish Lions in 2013. However, Deans’ announcement came four months prior to the tour.

The Melbourne Rebels have granted the wishes of the national outfit, making the decision to rest halfback Will Genia “in the best interest of Australian rugby.”

Genia hasn’t featured for the Rebels in almost a month after battling a knee injury.

The Brumbies need all the star power they can muster as they try to rebound after posting the lowest crowd figures in club history.

The side have pledged to make a charitable donation of $15,000 if they can fill 15,000 seats on Sunday at GIO Stadium.

In other news: