Rugby: Mortlock denied farewell

Former Brumbies skipper Stirling Mortlock has been denied a farewell home match in Saturday night's pivotal Super 14 match against the Highlanders in Canberra because of injury.

The 32-year-old centre has missed the past four matches with a back complaint and was unable to take part in Friday's training session.

Fellow stalwart George Smith will play in his final home match for the Brumbies tonight before he retires from Australian rugby at the end of the Super 14 season.