The current name and sponsor of the Canberra team in the National Rugby Championship has been debated since the end of the tournament last year.
But today it’s been confirmed that both the Vikings name and the University of Canberra as sponsors will continue on, at least for 2016, with the Vikings Group and the University signing a one-year sponsorship deal.
After the 2016 season, the release from the Brumbies states, the intention would be for the club to rebrand to the Canberra Kookaburras, as had been widely touted in the media for the last six months.
It was determined that the sponsorship was essential, and the Vikings management of the club was crucial for the side to play in the 2016 NRC.
Interim Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson was pleased that the side would appear in the NRC once again in 2016.
“We are very grateful that both the University of Canberra and Vikings Group have agreed to a new one-year deal.”
“This will allow Brumbies contracted players and John I Dent Cup players the opportunity to take part in the national competition again in 2016.
“As we have seen over the past two years, the NRC provides a great pathway for ACT & Southern NSW players to elite rugby and has given homegrown players valuable experience in a professional rugby environment.
“A great example would be Joe Powell. After strong performances in local juniors and the John I Dent Cup, Powell was selected to represent the UC Vikings in 2014. From there he has now represented the Brumbies and is currently training with the Wallabies.
“We are very proud of our pathways to elite rugby in the ACT and the NRC program is a key part of that.” The new one-year deal will also see the ACT Griffins program supported again this year.
Thomson also addressed the rumours around the proposed rebrand.
“We understand there were reports that the UC Vikings would be replaced with another ACT representative side in the NRC however that won’t be the case in 2016.
“Commercially the best option for us this year is to remain as the UC Vikings. It locks in all of our home matches for 2016 and provides critical funding for this program.
“The UC Vikings represent the success of all seven John I Dent Cup clubs. Last season, players from each local team played for the side and that will be the case again in 2016 and beyond.
“I would like to thank the University of Canberra and Vikings Group for their continued support of our NRC program and hope that this year we can go one better than 2015.”
All of the Vikings home games will be played at Viking Park in Wanniassa.
The team also confirmed Wayne Southwell would coach the side, with Dan Palmeras scrum coach and Dan McKellar as Coaching Director.
Selector
Guest
It is easy to hate on the Vikings... And its fun too. In all seriousness I actually appreciate that there is a team that can contribute to making the NRC happen. Doesn't mean I won't still take pot shots at them. Having been my arch nemeses for as long as I have held a rugby ball, I can respect them, but I don't have to like them
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Well noted.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Perhaps all the clubs could chip in the money then? Perhaps you should be angry at them for not supporting it? Nah, much easier to just hate the Vikings for daring to be successful.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
Apparently they'll be replaced by the Kookaburras in 2017. Which is fine as long as Vikings are no longer paying the bills.
AndyS
Guest
That said, interesting insight for those saying that they should have used the best teams from the various Premier rugby comps. If folk aren't getting behind the team and comp because they don't like the Vikings...
AndyS
Guest
Absolutely agree. It's an old business principle...him as pays the bills calls the shots. The rest can complain blue in the face, but pony up or shut up.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
If the other clubs are willing to stump up an equal share of the money to run this team then they can look to change the name and colours. Otherwise considering they are putting up tge cash the Vikings have every right to expect the use of their colours etc. I will however implore anyone unhappy with this to put aside club rivalries to get behind Canberran/ACT local players in a national competition. Whether you support the Vikings or not its the players that deserve the support.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
BOO!!!! Not even Dan Palmer as scrum coach could get me to support a team called Vikings. Those rumors really got my hopes up.
Chop
Roar Guru
If they've stumped up all the cash to sponsor why would they? I don't like the fact they're called the Vikings, but if no other club is willing to assist with supporting the ARC club I think they deserve to have a say in the team name.
It's all about the money, money, money.
Selector
Guest
Hahah That confirms that I won't be attending any matches. If you were a representation of all clubs, you could at least do one home game outside of the Tuggeranong Vikings home ground.
Boo-urns