A powerful No.8 with a strong work-rate, Ben Mowen is quickly establishing a reputation as one of Australia's most promising talents.

During his youth, Mowen captained Australia at Under-21 level, taking charge of a side that included future Wallabies Adam Ashley-Cooper and Cameron Shepherd.

He made his Super Rugby debut with the Reds in 2006 before becoming a regular with the Waratahs. In 2012 he opted to leave New South Wales and link up with Jake White at the Brumbies, where he was named skipper. In charge of a young side, Mowen's honest graft proved to be a steadying hand as they improved on a number of poor seasons, narrowly missing the play-offs.

Come 2013, Mowen's star shone brighter than ever before with his Brumbies side reaching the final of Super Rugby. His form was recognised by then Wallabies coach Robbie Deans who handed him his international debut in the first Test against the British & Irish Lions. He played all three matches against the tourists on the flank but when Ewen McKenzie took over the top job in Australian rugby, he moved Mowen to No.8 for the Rugby Championship.

After losing their first three matches in the competition, McKenzie took the gamble of dropping star No.9 Will Genia and giving the captaincy to Mowen.