WALLABIES skipper Stirling Mortlock is set to step down as Brumbies captain, claiming it would be a "smart move" to usher in a new era of leadership at the Super 14 club.
And in a massive boost for Australian rugby, Mortlock quashed speculation he would seek an early release from his ARU contract, although his long-term future remains undecided.
Mortlock is yet to broach the leadership issue with Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher but indicated the timing could be right for a change because of his unavailability for the first half of the season due to shoulder surgery.
"I'm actually going to Canberra next week to have a chat to Laurie, the coaching staff and senior players about me missing more than half a season," Mortlock told The Sun-Herald.
"We might go down the track of choosing a long-term captain for the side. I haven't spoken about that yet with the coaching staff but it's something we will sit down and address.
"A little bit of a changing of the guard may be happening.
Complete article