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.

After making his debut with the ACT franchise in 1998, Mortlock will join the Melbourne Rebels for their inaugural season in 2011.

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

"While it's not so good for me, I'm very happy for George (Smith) and the team's preparations have been very good," Mortlock said.

"The fact that I was only bracketed on the bench and so I don't think it disrupts the team too much at all.

"I pulled up a bit sore from the session yesterday. I was really happy with the way my back went during the session yesterday but I always knew it was how I pulled up today.

"Unfortunately it's a little too sore and we're better off making the call early and preparing for next week's game."

In Mortlock's absence, Ed Stubbs will remain on the bench for the match with the sixth-placed Brumbies needing a win to bolster their finals hopes before meeting the Crusaders in Christchurch in the final round.

A special presentation will be made to Mortlock and Smith following the clash with the Highlanders.

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