Brumbies 2025

[Major Tom]

I have not said anywhere that the U20s/Academy players shouldn't be promoted where warranted, and the likes of Langi, Ata, Baxter, Dillon and Enasio should all get consideration. My point is that something like 8 or more players are leaving, including test players Hooper, Lolesio and Ikitau and there ought to be a few established players come in to replace them. The sole signing so far is Tane Edmed and it's no sure thing that he will be a regular starter. In any case, he is a downgrade on Lolesio. The fact there are no such new established players listed for Super Rugby Aus is not a confidence builder for 26.

Well I wouldn’t worry about it too much 2026 hasn’t started yet. I think one of the things is Len and Hoops are really only going for a year so might be a bit difficult to sign anyone for a year contract. In any case I think you’ll be alright as this comp should help the younger players make the step up next year. If you get hit with an heap of injuries then yeah it could be dicey.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Looks like Ben Mowen is the Defence Coach and Dan Hooper the Attack and Backs Coach for the Super Rugby Aus side. Any news on Head Coach or any other support positions?

Good to see Hooper involved at a higher level. He has been very successful in the U19s HC role the past couple of years.

 

[Raytah]

A bit concerned they are nearly all familiar names associated with the Brumbies over the past few years. Was hoping to see a couple, at least, of new but established names as recruits for next season to replace some of the losses at the end of this year. In particular, was looking for Darby Lancaster for example.

Nevertheless, they will put out a very strong team from that squad. My guess at an initial XXIII would be:

Ieli, Bowron, Van Nek
McPherson, Shawe
Scott, Reimer
Tualima

Thorn, Meredith
Pritchard, Feliuai, Creighton, Sapsford
Wilcox

Bench : Ata, Baxter, Alatini, Cordukes, Saumasue, Nelson, Dillon, McLeod.

Surprised Morrison is missing.

All familiar names is a great thing. Basically possible to pick Brumies team in 2028 already, which is an excellent approach:

Ieli
Pollard
Alatini
Shaw / McPherson
Frost
Langi

Nelson
Meredith
Toole
MacCloud
Pritchard

A bit concerned they are nearly all familiar names associated with the Brumbies over the past few years. Was hoping to see a couple, at least, of new but established names as recruits for next season to replace some of the losses at the end of this year. In particular, was looking for Darby Lancaster for example.

Nevertheless, they will put out a very strong team from that squad. My guess at an initial XXIII would be:

Ieli, Bowron, Van Nek
McPherson, Shawe
Scott, Reimer
Tualima

Thorn, Meredith
Pritchard, Feliuai, Creighton, Sapsford
Wilcox

Bench : Ata, Baxter, Alatini, Cordukes, Saumasue, Nelson, Dillon, McLeod.

Surprised Morrison is missing.

To the contrary - same names is great. Means they trust their development pathway. Cheap and sustainable way to build a successful team.

I want to see Alatini start. Future Wallaby. Been great for Warringgah.

Agree re. being short a winger. Doesn't need to be Lancaster (made a habit of poor defensive reads this year), but need to find a diamond in the rough. James Kane, Rhian Stowers or Kye Oates are the pick I've seen from clubland.