Brumbies invite legends back for 25th year Super Rugby party

That's why coach Dan McKellar wants his players to tap into the club's rich history, throwing open team doors to former players and challenging his squad to connect with the past.

The 2020 campaign marks 25 seasons of Super Rugby, with the Brumbies putting plans in place to honour the club's foundation players from 1996.

Officials have been investigating an option to shift a match to Manuka Oval on the same weekend ex-Brumbies return to Canbera for a reunion.

It's part of a season-long missing for players to learn about how the Brumbies evolved from rejects to become two-time champions.

McKellar has already invited George Gregan and Justin Harrison to speak to the players at a pre-season camp and that will continue throughout the season.

The players have also been split into "mini teams" representing significant years in Brumbies history - 1996, 2001, 2004 and 2013.

But the one message McKellar hopes resonates with his new-look group is simple: "We want to create our own history".

"The Brumbies are only 25 and we've got some great history, so I want us to stay connected with that history so the young guys understand the journey from day one," McKellar said.

"It's been a remarkable story so far. You've got to respect the past ... the great work of your Rod Macqueens, David Pembroke, Phil Thomson, Garry Quinlivans and the players. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be here.

"We've got some young kids. It's their turn now, it's up to the young brigade to have their turn."

Some have already written off the Brumbies this year given they've lost more than 150 Test caps and more than 500 Super Rugby games worth of experience.

Replacing David Pocock, Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight, Rory Arnold and Sam Carter seems like mission impossible.

But most Super Rugby teams are trying to cope with the post World Cup player turnover, which is why McKellar is bullish about his side's chances.

"It won't all click in round one. We just need to prioritise and build momentum early," McKellar said.