Mortlock takes over from George Gregan as ACT skipper

He replaces 30-year-old Australia skipper George Gregan, who led the Wallabies to the World Cup final.

"It's an honour and privilege to be given the responsibility of captain and I'm really looking forward to leading the team," said Mortlock.

"We have a good balance of young and experienced players and there's a good feel about the place."

Scrum-half Gregan will continue to play for the Brumbies and is hoping to add to his 95 Test caps.

But Mortlock's appointment could fuel speculation that he is being groomed for the Wallaby job.

[Mortlock] will motivate the team through his intelligence, enthusiasm, experience Wallaby skipper George Gregan

And Gregan admitted Mortlock displayed the attributes of a good captain.

"He's the absolute right choice for the job," Gregan said.

"He's a world-class player and will motivate the team through his intelligence, enthusiasm, experience and the example he sets.

"We've been discussing what to do about the captaincy for some time and I always thought Stirling was the right man to lead the team into the future.

"Some of the more senior players such as myself are not going to be around forever so it's important that others get the experience of leading the side while we're still around.

"I'm really looking forward to playing under him. It should be a lot of fun."

Mortlock made his debut for the Brumbies in 1998 against New South Wales and has played more than 60 Super 12 matches for ACT and 25 Tests for the Wallabies.

Brumbies coach David Nucifora said: "When you look at our group of players, our foundation players are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. It's the right time to make the change.