ACT Brumbies veteran Louise Burrows' humbling moment in Super W history

She wore No. 2 in that first game in 2018. Something like 50-odd players have followed since.

Now they will all have something to show for it, with Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson revealing the club will present caps to every one of the club's Super W representatives.

The Brumbies do the same thing with men's Super Rugby players, and the thought of having her own leaves Burrows feeling "really humbled".

Because for her a cap would signify more than three Super W seasons, with a fourth to follow next month. It would be a reward for 26 years of toil without a national championship - a streak the 43-year-old hopes will be shattered in a new-look competition.

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"As female athletes, we're always striving for inclusivity and equality. For the Brumbies to recognise they reward the men with caps, it's really a huge step forward in giving us women a cap," Burrows said.

"I was No. 2 in the first game we ever played in Super W. For all the hard work myself and others who have been before the girls now, it's a great reward to see this is happening.

"As strange as it might sound, it's a moment in time that will be a part of history. The Brumbies formed 26 years ago, and for the females to now be recognised to be receiving these caps, it's a pretty huge achievement."

The Brumbies are set to open their Super W campaign on home soil at Seiffert Oval on June 19 before heading into a hub-style tournament in Coffs Harbour a week later.

The Seiffert Oval showdown will be the Brumbies' lone home game of the season, which will be broadcast live on Stan Sport, with Rugby Australia committing to a national championship-style format for the majority.

Rugby Australia is on the verge of locking in the competition fixture with Brumbies officials planning a festival-style atmosphere for their season opener.

There have been discussions about three under-age games followed by open age matches from Canberra's 10-a-side and Premier XVs competitions.

"If that's all happening, the community will get behind us even more," Burrows said.

"They'll have connections with somebody playing on the day, and for those girls to watch us afterwards, they will have aspirations to wear a Brumbies jersey.

"I'm really excited to see the game grow and see other girls have the opportunities I had and even have opportunities I haven't had, because the game is growing.

"The stronger our grassroots competitions are, the stronger they will be at Brumbies and international level. It's huge."

But a season opener on home soil is more than a chance to unite the rugby community.

It's a chance for the Brumbies to send a message to their fancied rivals. The NSW Waratahs have claimed all three Super W titles, while Queensland have finished second every time.

Burrows believes the tide is turning. For years ACT teams have been renowned for a strong forward pack and a dominant set piece.

This year newly-minted coach Dan Hawke has the blistering back line to match his forward pack's firepower.

"It's a really good opportunity to make a statement and show the rest of the teams what they've got to expect when they get to the hub," Burrows said.

"Although we've got 12 debuting for the Brumbies, I think this is probably one of the strongest squads we've had from one through to 28.

"I have never won a national championship in 26 years, and I feel like we're getting closer. This year could be the year."

ACT Brumbies squad: Kimberly Fyfe, Iris Verebalavu, Niki Paterson, Tayla Stanford, Harriet Elleman, Louise Burrows, Montana Ojeda, Ash Fernandez, Grace Kemp, Michaela Leonard, Emily Sogal, Pearl Rakete, Rebecca Symth, Zali Waihape-Andrews, Jane Garraway, Susannah Cooke, Ash Bishop, Ella Ryan, Teliya Hetaraka, Apryll Green, Pesi Palu, Halley Derera, Tamsin Barber, Makayla Morris, Claudia Obst, Talei Qalo Wilson, Lillyann Mason-Spice.

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