Robbie Abel doesn't need extra motivation to win a Super Rugby spot, but the chance to wear a jersey he helped paint will add fuel to his ACT Brumbies ambitions this year.
The Brumbies launched their Reconciliation Action Plan on Wednesday, unveiling an indigenous jersey to be worn at captain's run training sessions and during the warm-up before every game.
The jersey, designed by Wiradjuri man Dale Huddleston with the help of Ngunnawal descendant Stanley Connors, has extra special meaning for four Brumbies.
Abel, Richie and Rory Arnold and Andy Muirhead are the only players with indigenous heritage in the Brumbies' squad.
Abel, who was nominated as a NAIDOC person of the year and sports person of the year last year, and his Brumbies teammates were asked to help paint the final design of the jersey.
"This is great, it's great as players and for the community," Abel said.
"It's really empowering for the players to have a workplace that's willing to support the Aboriginal community.
"You don't realise how empowering it is for young kids to see this. There's so much talent and athletic ability in Aboriginal communities ... having codes support that is only going to bring more talent through.
"You want kids to dream of being Wallabies and being Brumbies ... to be able to wear a jersey like this is something special and I think it's great for rugby."
The Reconciliation Action Plan provides a framework for organisations to support a national reconciliation movement.
The jersey design shows a bogong moth on the back - a totem for the Ngunnawal nation, while there are foot prints of the Black duck and a goanna. The front of the jersey has the Brindabellas with the hoofprints of brumbies.
"Over the last couple of years we've probably lost a little bit of a connection [with the community]," said Brumbies boss Michael Thomson.
"The influence of indigenous players have had on our culture and organisation has been significant. This is about us recognising that and celebrating it.
"We see this as the right thing to do. Rugby has a big role to play and in the end we've gone with this and we hope it will get people talking."
The Brumbies considered creating a one-off playing jersey, but decided having the indigenous strip for the captain's run and pre-game warm up would increase its exposure.
The Wallabies won plenty of praise last year when they wore an indigenous jersey for the first time, with calls for Rugby Australia to make it an annual fixture.
"The Wallabies did a great job and everyone loved it," said Brumbies lock Rory Arnold.
"It's good to see we've jumped on board and all the boys will wear it proudly. It's special for the four of us with indigenous heritage.
"I don't think it's sunk in yet. It's pretty cool ... to be wearing this at captain's run and then the warm up for a game before a game, a jersey you've helped design, it's a great thing.
"There's always been great indigenous players in rugby. Andrew Walker, the Ella brothers ... I think rugby can continue this and not just make it a one-off. Keep building and working on it."
Abel and Arnold will get their chances to impress on the field and wear the indigenous jersey for the first time this week before the Brumbies' trial against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.
Hooker Abel is competing with Josh Mann-Rea and Folau Faingaa for game time this year after having a breakout season in 2017.
"I'm feeling great this year, it's going to be tough for the coaches this year," Abel said.
"My attitude is if I continue to do everything I can to be the best I can, I'll let everything fall how it may. I have to be the best possible me for our team. If everyone does that, we'll be in a good position."
