Brumbies wary of men from west as a Super Force awakens

But assistant coach Peter Hewat warns underestimating anyone in a new-look Australian competition, particularly the recalled Western Force, will be catastrophic for hopes of winning a title this season.

The Western Force are set to join Australia's four Super Rugby franchises in a domestic season, slated to start on July 3 and finish in mid September.

Many will expect the Brumbies to hit the ground running given they're unbeaten against Australian opponents this year and enjoyed their best start to a season in 16 years.

The truth is all of that counts for nothing given teams will start from zero when the competition structure is formalised. And Hewat says the Force, who haven't played Super Rugby since being axed in 2017, will be one of the biggest threats.

The Brumbies and Force share plenty of history. Matt Giteau left Canberra to join the Force in 2007 before his homecoming a few years later. The Force beat the Brumbies in the world club 10s final in Mauritius in 2016, then the Brumbies beat the Force in their last Super Rugby game in 2017. Now the Force is coached by former Canberra Vikings and Tuggeranong mentor Tim Sampson.

"They certainly do [have a point to prove]. They've been together for a few years now and a lot of those players will be like the Brumbies were when they started [in 1996]," Hewat said.

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"I'd imagine they'd have a big point to prove. Any team can beat any other team on their day. Away games are going to be challenging this year, anything is possible.

"It's exciting [to have the Force back], for us as well. It's another Australian derby, we're excited about that."

The Brumbies started training in groups of 20 this week in the next progression step before starting contact training in the coming weeks.

Rugby Australia confirmed this week plans for the Force to play this season, but the future of the Japan Sunwolves in the same competition remains unclear.

There is also potential for a trans-Tasman finals series against New Zealand teams, who are preparing to start their own domestic competition on June 11.

"It would be awesome," said Brumbies back-rower Pete Samu. "I'd love to have the trans-Tasman finals go forward to get some pay out of the hard work we're putting in.

"We've just got to start from scratch again, the boys are keen and excited to get back to where we were. The boys will do everything they can to keep that momentum going from when we finished up."