The retro party is locked in and the ACT Brumbies are inviting foundation players back to Canberra to celebrate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It's understood the ACT government has provisionally agreed to the Brumbies' request for a venue change as the club aims to reconnect with its Super Rugby roots.
The Brumbies played against the Natal Sharks at Manuka Oval in 1996, the first year of Super Rugby, with Joe Roff marking the occasion with a four-try masterclass.
This time the Brumbies are hoping a new generation can create its own memories, shifting a clash against the Cape Town Stormers to the smaller stadium to mark Super Rugby's 25th season.
The May 9 match will also coincide with the Brumbies' invitation to foundation players to return for a weekend of festivities.
Coach Dan McKellar has already invited past players George Gregan and Justin Harrison into the inner sanctum for extra motivation and the Brumbies are hoping the Manuka shift will resonate with fans as well.
Games against South African opponents are traditionally the lowest-drawing homes fixtures for the season.
It is hoped moving from the 25,000-seat Canberra Stadium to the 14,000-capacity Manuka will create a more intimate atmosphere.
There are, however, challenges in moving the game and the costs associated almost prevented it as soon as it was raised.
There are less corporate facilities at Manuka Oval and there is no permanent big screen.
"There is a financial risk in going to Manuka because there are additional costs, but we're backing ourselves to pull in a good crowd to cover that," Thomson said.
"It marks a significant milestone in our history. We're also hoping to have a Brumbies legends v Classic Wallabies as the curtain-raiser match as well.
"Yes, it's a different venue. But we hope that people enjoy being at Manuka and hopefully people who were there in 1996 come out in their droves."
The Brumbies have struggled to attract crowds in recent years, mirroring alarming attendance figures across all Super Rugby clubs.
The past two years in Canberra have been the club's lowest average crowd numbers in Super Rugby history.