The ACT Brumbies are pushing to lock in a tune-up for their Super Rugby AU title defence as border restrictions weigh on the minds of officials.
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The Brumbies are four weeks out from their domestic season opener against the Western Force in Perth on February 19.
The reigning Super Rugby AU champions are on the verge of securing a trial on home soil but officials are waiting on COVID-19 management plans being cleared before locking in the fixture.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Australia's Super Rugby clubs to wind back to one pre-season game apiece amid concern about the ever-changing border restriction scenario.
The Brumbies' round one clash is in Perth. Western Australian health officials see the ACT as a very low risk, meaning ACT residents would not have to quarantine upon arrival.
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It could leave Rugby Australia seeking exemptions for travelling teams throughout the season. The Force and Melbourne relocated for last year's domestic campaign.
The Brumbies are likely to play an intra-squad trial and another alternative for more game time is facing a Canberra side made up of fringe Super Rugby players and the John I Dent Cup's best.
Brumbies assistant coach Rod Seib says the players are desperate to get games under their belt as they slog it out during gruelling summer pre-season sessions.
"Everyone is looking really good, obviously a lot of sore bodies out there," Seib said.
"Pre-season is a time where we get a lot of work under the belt. The guys have been working really hard and I know we're looking forward to getting to games.
"At this stage of the year, you can get a lot of players who can be over pre-season because of the workload, and looking forward to getting into that competitive element.
"It's great to set up these training environments and see these guys execute with the speed and skill they've got.
"I'm really looking forward to getting into games and see this training come to fruition.
"As a group, they've all really impressed me with their attitude. You can come into some groups, some teams at times, and they may not like fresh ideas or a different way of looking at things.
"These guys are really open to it, they're open to change. They know what works and what doesn't work, they're great to work with from that point of view.
"It's been easy to settle in, they've made me feel welcome, from the coaching group and playing group."
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
