Major Tom
Colin Windon (37)
Crazy he hasn't been announced anywhere.
ACT Brumbies 2026
- Thread starter Brumby Runner
- Start date
Tomikin
Michael Lynagh (62)
Disagree I don't think his worth it. I think we fill out boots now with young stars
Yeah, you guys should try and find a winger who has some size and speed and is maybe 22 years old or thereabouts.
Tomikin
Michael Lynagh (62)
fair call, he is only young, I just think we have cover, and he will end up like he did at the Tah's just another squad guy. Maybe that's enough. But then again, in 12 months time in the Brumbies system, I'll probably say his the greatest winger that ever walked the earth.
I also don't really think the Brumbies are short on the wing/fullback. The starting back three are returning aren't they?
It would seem centre is a bigger recruitment need primarily to replace Ikitau for 2026.
Tomikin
Michael Lynagh (62)
That's where I would be looking, centre, back 3 are back with Sapsford and others to cover. A good outside centre is the aim. I think we are pretty covered across the board, though, with probably as good as we can get ATM... not sure we are pulling a better player from anywhere?
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
Has Muirhead re-signed yet? He's the big question, at his age he might be ready to cash in overseas while he still can. Even if he is hanging around Lancaster would make a very good replacement to work into the side as Muirhead ages out.
Lancaster could probably also be crafted into a pretty decent outside centre, but that's more of a long term project and not so relevant for the Brumbies with Ikitau likely only gone for the one season. That return will make it difficult to sign anyone good to go in the 13 channel though, it's hard to find a top class player to come in for a year knowing they'll be replaced as the first string.
Upthemaroon!
Chris McKivat (8)
Especially with Muirhead sitting in that autumn/winter of his career kinda phase.
Major Tom
Colin Windon (37)
This is actually a pretty good list. Might be light on at LHP with Schoup injury prone and Slips surely close to retirement. Big step up for Baxter from U20's.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Strong squad overall with very good depth in the Forwards but pick up a couple injuries in the backs and it could be an issue. Outside the starters on the left there is only Sapsford and Edmed who have established themselves at the pro level.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
BH, I am pretty sure Lenny Ikitau was just 22 when he became a regular at the Brumbies in 2021. Actually played three games in the previous two years. Both Kadin Pritchard and Jarrah McLeod will be 22 next year so pretty much on a development curve similar to Len, only probably having shown more potential at this stage than Len had. Having them behind Feliui, Creighton, Sapsford and possibly Anderson looks to be a good strong outfit in the Centres next year. Remembering too, that Len is on sabbatical so could possibly be available towards the end of the 26 season?
EDIT : Wing/15 spots are covered by Toole, Sapsford and Wright only at this stage. Won't surprise me if Ollie S is moved to 13 while Ikitau is missing, as he seemed to be favoured as the replacement there this year. That being the case, it really is the outside backs (wing and fullback) where the roster is extremely light on atm. Lancaster would fit in very nicely imo.
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Major Tom
Colin Windon (37)
Same problem for every aus side. Get hit with injuries and it gets pretty dicey. Long term, it will be good for them.
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
There won't be any room for Ikitau to play in the 2026 season I don't think. He'll be occupied with Exeter all the way through to June (prem final was only one week before super rugby's this year) and even if he makes it back in time for the finals, players returning from sabbatical have been blocked from coming in late in the season, particularly for finals games.
Aside from any regulations, he will have likely had a very long season (he'll be straight into prem rugby when the TRC finishes) and will probably be due a bit of a break.
Huh?
Tomikin
Michael Lynagh (62)
Agreed, I dont think we are searching for a silver bullet, it might not be as good as it was, but put them in the mix and let them do there thing. Biggest is if Wright gets injured..Murihead can go there but no one is Wright
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
What don't you understand BH? You made certain claims about the wing/fullback spots against the need to strengthen the centres, and I am simply clarifying the reality with facts. Back 3 is where there is currently a shortage of personnel.
All your points about players age 22 were a bit strange. When Tomikin suggested the Brumbies shouldn't sign Lancaster and instead sign someone young, I mentioned a winger around the age of 22 because that is how old Lancaster is.
The back three is certainly not complete if Muirhead doesn't return but I do think Wilcox is one to develop (which they obviously already are working on). More depth in the back three is required but the headline talent is good with the Wallabies fullback, a guy who been in a bunch of Wallabies squads and Muirhead who is a very solid Super Rugby player.
To me, that talent that will take the field each week is stronger than the centres where there are several ok players but without Ikitau certainly becomes a position of weakness of the Brumbies (relative to the rest of their very good side).
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
OK. My comment on the ages wasn't directed at your post to Tomakin. I was highlighting how our newer centres are around the same age as Len Ikitau was when he became a regular in match day squads and therefore could reasonably be expected to perform to the required standard if they are needed in SR26, especially given that they seem to be advanced on Lenny at the same age. My conclusion is that we are probably adequately covered for centres next year despite Len being absent. OTOH, we could be in dire straits if we don't augment our wing/fullback spots. ATM, only Toole and Wright are signed if Sapsford is regarded as a centre for next year as I do. Even if both Muirhead and Wilcox are re-signed it is still very light on. Andy M is no spring chicken and not an ideal backup at fullback. If used there it will substantially weaken the wing spot he vacates. For all his attacking flair, Wilcox (who isn't yet signed and may not even be in the equation) is not Super Rugby ready in terms of decision making and defence. In these circumstances I would be more than pleased to see Lancaster come on board and I believe another experienced No 15 should be sought to back up Tom Wright.