The ACT Brumbies enter 2023 with a revamped identity and a renewed focus as they push for the Super Rugby Pacific.
They have embraced the past with the return of the 'ACT' moniker whilst welcoming back a club hero in Stephan Larkham to take over as coach.
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The roster has changed significantly since he was last in the nation's capital as a host of experienced players have moved on in the past 12 months.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au looks at the five key talking points for the Brumbies heading into 2023.
1.The prodigal son returns
The ACT Brumbies will be hoping Stephen Larkham can pick up where he left off as he returns home.
Larkham’s name is synonymous with success in the nation’s capital as a player and whilst his first stint as coach was promising, the Brumbies never managed to win the big one under the legendary flyhalf.
Whilst he didn’t miss the finals across his four-year stint, the ACT-based side are in a position where expectations go beyond that and need to take the next step to contend for a title.
The semi-final defeat to the Blues showed they have the capacity to do so but need to find that clinical edge to close out games against the premier sides in the comp
2. Master and the apprentice
Noah Lolesio has the perfect chance to learn from one of the best as he falls under the tutelage of Stephan Larkham.
Lolesio has never been able to lock down a spot in the Test side, once again replaced midway through the Rugby Championship for a more experienced half. 2021 it was Quade Cooper, 2022 Bernard Foley.
It leaves Lolesio facing further competition to lock down his spot with the likes of Ben Donaldson and Tane Edmed breathing down his neck.
He needs to find more consistency around his play if he wishes to make the Wallabies' position permanent.
3.Hooker battle
The Brumbies’ hooker battle will likely have a major role in deciding World Cup spots as Lachlan Lonergan steps into the starting spot in Folau Fainga’a’s absence.
Lonergan has been around the Brumbies for a considerable period but has never started more than five games in a Super Rugby season.
Fainga’a leaving opens the door for further minutes, although the emergence of Billy Pollard ensures ‘Noss’ has plenty of competition heading into pre-season
It’s clear to see Pollard is rated highly, thrust into the Wallabies side for his debut despite playing just eight Super Rugby games.
Lonergan's final Test heroics position him perfectly to push for a permanent starting role with fellow Wallaby hookers Dave Porecki and Folau Fainga'a facing considerable battles to lock down their spots at the state level
4. Inside issues
Out of all the departing Brumbies, the loss of Irae Simone might be the most difficult to fill.
Simone has been a rock for the club, missing just one game in the past two seasons.
It presents a problem for Larkham, with the likes of Len Ikitau and Hudson Creighton traditional 13s whilst new recruit Tamati Tua also has been used more as an outside centre for Northland
Chris Feauai-Sautia got the first crack at the position in September’s trial against the Waratahs, although he has usually been used either on the wing or at outside centre in the past.
5. Toole time
Corey Toole presents a unique x-factor the Brumbies and Stephan Larkham need to work out how to best utilise.
The departure of Tom Banks frees Tom Wright to head to the back, opening a position for the Sevens flyer to slot in.
Toole can have a similar impact to Dylan Pietsch’s breakout season at the NSW Waratahs, with his pace able to break open a game if they can get him into space.
