ACT Brumbies 2026

[Linerunner2023]

assuming the list on the front page are all full-time squad members, it would look like the Brumbies actually have signed more players than the other Oz Super Rugby teams for 2026; outside of Noah and Hooper they’ve retained all their Wallabies and even added Edmed.

RA have done pretty well if they’re running the recruitment/retention I’d say

Ikatau and wright out for 2026 are massive losses though - expect a slide in 2026
Edmed not sure if it’s an add or a loss

 

[TSR]

The retirement of Slipper hurts too. I thought he turned back the clock this super season.

A bit of luck with injuries will help. If they can keep all of Cale, Schoupp & Van Nek on the field, along with the emergence of Ieli & Alatini they’ll maintain a strong, well balanced forward pack.

 

[WoodysRFC]

Had thought Slippers was a retirement from International rugby only?

 

[Adam84]

Ikatau and wright out for 2026 are massive losses though - expect a slide in 2026
Edmed not sure if it’s an add or a loss

Wright being out isn't related to his contract.

Ikitau misses part of the season but is still contracted for late 2026 and all of 2027, it makes it hard to sign someone for only part of the 2026 season to fill his shoes

 

[Major Tom]

Had thought Slippers was a retirement from International rugby only?

It is.

 

[Quicktapsonly]

Byron Smith struggled for starts behind an 18 year old who is still eligible for NZ U18 rep sides, not sure he'd be the answer. Strachan was very good when he played for Southland though, he'd be a fine depth option.

Pretty sure Jake inked a two year deal with his club in France. His family looks pretty happy on socials.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Wright being out isn't related to his contract.

Ikitau misses part of the season but is still contracted for late 2026 and all of 2027, it makes it hard to sign someone for only part of the 2026 season to fill his shoes

Adam, 6 of those listed have yet to sign on for 2026, so right now it is a squad of 28. That includes both Wright and Ikitau. Wright is proba ly out for the season irrespective of his contract status. All the reports about Ikitau say he'll be back for TRC next year, not suggesting he'll play any Super Rugby in 26. So right now, the Brumbies Brumbies would be hard pressed to put a XXIII on the field for a match.

I think you're far wide of the mark suggesting they have a larger squad than any in this country.

 

[Tomikin]

Adam, 6 of those listed have yet to sign on for 2026, so right now it is a squad of 28. That includes both Wright and Ikitau. Wright is proba ly out for the season irrespective of his contract status. All the reports about Ikitau say he'll be back for TRC next year, not suggesting he'll play any Super Rugby in 26. So right now, the Brumbies Brumbies would be hard pressed to put a XXIII on the field for a match.

I think you're far wide of the mark suggesting they have a larger squad than any in this country.

which 6 haven't resigned ?

 

[Wilson]

which 6 haven't resigned ?

Schoupp, Muirhead, Thorn, Fotuaika, and Saumaisue are all unknown at this stage I think. Maybe Anderson and Wilcox as well? I do think there's a decent chance most have re-signed or will though.

Bigger issue is likely going to be injury - in addition to Wright, it's my understanding that Lachlan Lonergan busted his ACL against the lions and will be out for much of the season, and Schoupp did his Achilles in April, so will probably miss at least the start of the season if not most of it.

 

[Major Tom]

Adam, 6 of those listed have yet to sign on for 2026, so right now it is a squad of 28. That includes both Wright and Ikitau. Wright is proba ly out for the season irrespective of his contract status. All the reports about Ikitau say he'll be back for TRC next year, not suggesting he'll play any Super Rugby in 26. So right now, the Brumbies Brumbies would be hard pressed to put a XXIII on the field for a match.

I think you're far wide of the mark suggesting they have a larger squad than any in this country.

I think you need to reserve judgment until the offseason has wrapped up. There’s still plenty of time to sign players.

 

[Brumby Runner]

I think you need to reserve judgment until the offseason has wrapped up. There’s still plenty of time to sign players.

That was the whole point of the discussion Tom. Some were discussing possible additions to the roster and Adam came in with his wholly unlikely claim that the Brumbies had a bigger squad than others.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Schoupp, Muirhead, Thorn, Fotuaika, and Saumaisue are all unknown at this stage I think. Maybe Anderson and Wilcox as well? I do think there's a decent chance most have re-signed or will though.

Bigger issue is likely going to be injury - in addition to Wright, it's my understanding that Lachlan Lonergan busted his ACL against the lions and will be out for much of the season, and Schoupp did his Achilles in April, so will probably miss at least the start of the season if not most of it.

Anderson and Wilcox haven't been announced and maybe are yet to sign. On top of those, Ieli who doesn't yet appear on the list has not been announced. Important that Schoupp (if fit or likely to be), Thorn, Saumaisue and Ieli are signed up. Don't know what the go is with Andy Muirhead who has been a club stalwart. Feao has recently turned out for his familial country (Tonga) and may be looking at options there or NZ his place of birth? Anderson and Wilcox are unknowns status wise. Austin A has been playing NPC and perhaps has drifted down the pecking order in the 10/12 spots with Edmed and McLeod coming in. I think it's unlikely Wilcox will be Super Rugby ready.

There does need to be an influx of around 7 or 8 players to cover holes in the roster and to cover for Tom Wright and Len Ikitau in 26. Some of those will come from those presently unsigned but unlikely and unsatisfactory if they all do.

 

[Major Tom]

Anderson and Wilcox haven't been announced and maybe are yet to sign. On top of those, Ieli who doesn't yet appear on the list has not been announced. Important that Schoupp (if fit or likely to be), Thorn, Saumaisue and Ieli are signed up. Don't know what the go is with Andy Muirhead who has been a club stalwart. Feao has recently turned out for his familial country (Tonga) and may be looking at options there or NZ his place of birth? Anderson and Wilcox are unknowns status wise. Austin A has been playing NPC and perhaps has drifted down the pecking order in the 10/12 spots with Edmed and McLeod coming in. I think it's unlikely Wilcox will be Super Rugby ready.

There does need to be an influx of around 7 or 8 players to cover holes in the roster and to cover for Tom Wright and Len Ikitau in 26. Some of those will come from those presently unsigned but unlikely and unsatisfactory if they all do.

Wilcox will definitely re-sign. Thorn, they may be waiting for more to play out with his court case but would be surprised if he doesn't. leli would be deciding between Drua and Brumbs but would be surprised if he left seeing as he just turned out for Aus A and is now captured for RA. Comparing this to the Reds they've had just as much turnover.
Gibbon, Gordon, Smith, Blyth, Fa'agase, Hodgson, Vest, Wright, Craig, Gibbs. Not all are big outs but still bites.
Each super team faces the same list demands. I wouldn't be too worried about the ones unsigned. Murihead as a stalwart of the club should be encouraged to get the best deal he can and if that's elsewhere, then so be it. Schoupp should feature at times depending on his recovery.
It just feels like a low expectation year. You could have lost none of those players and cope an injury curse and be in the same position.

 

[Slim 293]

Yeah, I wouldn't expect Ieli to be going anywhere with his stocks rising this year and next year should act as the transition between Slipper's retirement and Ieli being the Brumbies' #1 1.

And I expect the likes of Wilcox, Muirhead and Thorn to be there when they announce the squad for next year.

 

[Adam84]

Adam, 6 of those listed have yet to sign on for 2026, so right now it is a squad of 28. That includes both Wright and Ikitau. Wright is proba ly out for the season irrespective of his contract status. All the reports about Ikitau say he'll be back for TRC next year, not suggesting he'll play any Super Rugby in 26. So right now, the Brumbies Brumbies would be hard pressed to put a XXIII on the field for a match.

I think you're far wide of the mark suggesting they have a larger squad than any in this country.

BR, Brumbies have 28 full-time squad players signed for 2026? that's more than the Force and Waratahs and the same as the Reds. And as others mentioned by others, there are a few there likely to re-sign, or have re-signed and and haven't been announced. So no, i dont think i'm far wide of the mark?

Given the conversation was on the recruitment/retention process, i don't think we can just discount players like Wright (or McDermott) because they're injured; both were re-signed before injuries.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Wilcox will definitely re-sign. Thorn, they may be waiting for more to play out with his court case but would be surprised if he doesn't. leli would be deciding between Drua and Brumbs but would be surprised if he left seeing as he just turned out for Aus A and is now captured for RA. Comparing this to the Reds they've had just as much turnover.
Gibbon, Gordon, Smith, Blyth, Fa'agase, Hodgson, Vest, Wright, Craig, Gibbs. Not all are big outs but still bites.
Each super team faces the same list demands. I wouldn't be too worried about the ones unsigned. Murihead as a stalwart of the club should be encouraged to get the best deal he can and if that's elsewhere, then so be it. Schoupp should feature at times depending on his recovery.
It just feels like a low expectation year. You could have lost none of those players and cope an injury curse and be in the same position.

The Reds have lost quite a few, but they did have a loaded roster in 2025 accounting for the more than a couple of surplus Rebels who went their way. The difference right now, is that other franchises including the Reds are recruiting where they need to, (although the Reds seem to have an issue at Lock that they need to address). It is all quiet on that front from the Brumbies.

 

[Major Tom]

The Reds have lost quite a few, but they did have a loaded roster in 2025 accounting for the more than a couple of surplus Rebels who went their way. The difference right now, is that other franchises including the Reds are recruiting where they need to, (although the Reds seem to have an issue at Lock that they need to address). It is all quiet on that front from the Brumbies.

This is true. But there’s no massive difference really. The reds have not really recruited where they need yet. LHP and 2nd row are big concerns. Brumbs have lost a back rower, a flyhalf, a centre and a fullback. Problem is they’re all wallaby calibre players. It’s just gonna be one of those years where you’re not really contending. But the following year, with more game time in young players and Len back, maybe hooper and you’re laughing.

 

[Dctarget]

Lolesio's farewell post on instagram seems pretty... final.

 

[Red Runner]

Brumbies account using goat emoji seems odd.