The Canberra Kookaburras had enormous success in the Sydney and Brisbane competitions. Photo: supplied.
In the minds of many, rugby union didn’t exist in Canberra before the Brumbies burst onto the scene in 1996.
But you don’t have to search too far into the history books to see what went on prior to the establishment of Super Rugby and the Brumbies.
In 1973, the ACT had its first win over Queensland. Also in 1973, the ACT defeated Tonga 17-6.
In 1978, the ACT had a historic come-from-behind 21-20 victory over the reigning Five Nations champions, Wales, at Manuka Oval.
In 1983, the ACT, inspired by the brilliance of David Campese, upset Argentina 35-9.
In 1994, the ACT defeated NSW 44-28 for the first time.
Following this win, the Canberra team was invited to compete in the NSW Premiership the following year, and with this, the Canberra Kookaburras were born.
That win over NSW may have also been the catalyst for the Brumbies’ inclusion in the Super Rugby competition.
The Kookaburra team, which included players who would go on to become legends of the game, such as Gregan, Roff, Caputo, and Matt O’Connor, among others, made the 1995 grand final of the Sydney competition. In that grand final game, the team lost to Gordon, while the Kookaburras won the reserve grade.
Also in 1995 came one of the more significant moments in Canberra rugby history when the ACT demolished a test-strength Argentinian team 33-16 at Manuka.
The matchday program ahead of the Kookaburras v Argentina game in 1995. Photo supplied.
The Kookaburras, renamed as the Canberra Vikings in 1998, had enormous success from the time they entered the Brisbane competition in 2001, winning the premiership three times.
Murray Harley, who was the vice-captain of the ACT side on that historic day at Manuka in 1995, believes the win laid the platform for the Brumbies and the style of play adopted by the Canberra team in the first year of the Super 12 in 1996.
It is why Harley believes there needs to be greater recognition from the Brumbies.
He says, “More credit needs to be given to the Kookaburras who effectively laid the platform for the Brumbies.”
Whether the new regime at the Brumbies, with ownership controlled by Rugby Australia, lends greater credence to a time before professional rugby in Canberra remains to be seen.
That 1995 Kookaburras playing group, though, remains determined to ensure they aren’t forgotten, with reunions taking place to celebrate some of those milestone victories.
They are back in Canberra this Friday (20 May) with 19 of the 25 players from the win over Argentina.
These players offer a clear reminder of the pivotal role the Kookaburras played in laying the platform for the emergence of the mighty Brumbies.
