ACT Brumbies 2026

[Major Tom]

Larkham is hoping to have Lonergan back by mid-March so should not miss too much of the season hopefully. Schoupp is already back into pre-season doing live scrum work and contact sessions, he will be good to go for Round 1 it seems. McLeod will be the 12 is my guess, he will slot straight in and hopefully Feliuai can play 13 (if not Creighton or Sapsford). A centre partnership of McLeod and Feliuai (looked good at 13 in SRA) is a dangerous combination if they can make it work. Based on Larkham's comments it seems Edmed will be at 10, and then fullback will be a strong contest between Meredith, Muirhead, and Austin Anderson. Anderson will either be the starting fullback or the reserve 10 behind Edmed with Meredith playing fullback. The most interesting selection spot will be fullback, will he put a playmaker in Meredith/Anderson to replicate the attack under Tom Wright or play Muirhead with Toole and Sapsford on the wings. My best guess is:

9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Tane Edmed
11. Corey Toole
12. Jarrah McLeod
13. David Feliuai Lene
14. Ollie Sapsford
15. Declan Meredith

21. Klayton Thorn
22. Austin Anderson
23. Andy Muirhead

In terms of pure attack, this is the most exciting backline they can put together. McLeod will be a break-out star, with his size (192cm, 106kg), speed, and physicality he will cause trouble for most teams in the comp, and in my opinion is simply too good to be left out. Meredith will add a lot from fullback with good front-foot ball from this centre combination, and Anderson is a smart footballer who will cover 10, 12, 15 very well.

What's Mcleod like defensively?

 

[Brumby Runner]

Much more exciting with Meredith at 10 and Muirhead at 15. Edmed will stifle the backline imo whilst Meredith with an elusive running game will keep defences guessing.

I thought Anderson looked very good at 15 against Hong Kong. Inserted into the backline attack very effectively and importantly chased every high kick and put the receivers under pressure.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Larkham is hoping to have Lonergan back by mid-March so should not miss too much of the season hopefully. Schoupp is already back into pre-season doing live scrum work and contact sessions, he will be good to go for Round 1 it seems. McLeod will be the 12 is my guess, he will slot straight in and hopefully Feliuai can play 13 (if not Creighton or Sapsford). A centre partnership of McLeod and Feliuai (looked good at 13 in SRA) is a dangerous combination if they can make it work. Based on Larkham's comments it seems Edmed will be at 10, and then fullback will be a strong contest between Meredith, Muirhead, and Austin Anderson. Anderson will either be the starting fullback or the reserve 10 behind Edmed with Meredith playing fullback. The most interesting selection spot will be fullback, will he put a playmaker in Meredith/Anderson to replicate the attack under Tom Wright or play Muirhead with Toole and Sapsford on the wings. My best guess is:

9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Tane Edmed
11. Corey Toole
12. Jarrah McLeod
13. David Feliuai Lene
14. Ollie Sapsford
15. Declan Meredith

21. Klayton Thorn
22. Austin Anderson
23. Andy Muirhead

In terms of pure attack, this is the most exciting backline they can put together. McLeod will be a break-out star, with his size (192cm, 106kg), speed, and physicality he will cause trouble for most teams in the comp, and in my opinion is simply too good to be left out. Meredith will add a lot from fullback with good front-foot ball from this centre combination, and Anderson is a smart footballer who will cover 10, 12, 15 very well.

Having been on the EOYT, Edmed won't be expected to join training until the new year. He then has something like 5 or 6 weeks to regain fitness and learn the structures. Surely Meredith will start the first couple/few games at 10?

 

[Major Tom]

I thought Anderson looked very good at 15 against Hong Kong. Inserted into the backline attack very effectively and importantly chased every high kick and put the receivers under pressure.

Caveat, it was Hong kong.

 

[Filipo Daugunu]

Having been on the EOYT, Edmed won't be expected to join training until the new year. He then has something like 5 or 6 weeks to regain fitness and learn the structures. Surely Meredith will start the first couple/few games at 10?

Meredith could well play 10 early on and throughout the season. Just reckon with Wright being injured they will want to replicate him at the back, and the closest player is Meredith. It seems from recent press conferences that Edmed is the first choice 10, and I expect that means Meredith will be at 15. Austin Anderson will push for both spots as well, and will likely cover both from the bench.

 

[Filipo Daugunu]

What's Mcleod like defensively?

He was good defensively in John I Dent, and was smashing blokes in that British and Irish Lions match for FNP. Did not have any issues in SRA either.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Meredith could well play 10 early on and throughout the season. Just reckon with Wright being injured they will want to replicate him at the back, and the closest player is Meredith. It seems from recent press conferences that Edmed is the first choice 10, and I expect that means Meredith will be at 15. Austin Anderson will push for both spots as well, and will likely cover both from the bench.

Do you try and emulate Wright or pick the strongest available option at 15 and adjust the game plan? Nobody in Aus offers what Wright can do, we saw that for the Wallabies.

I'd go for the next best option and let them play to their strengths and adjust the plan. Expecting someone to do something extra can only lead to errors IMO.

 

[Slim 293]

Was Meredith originally a fullback that that shifted to flyhalf?

I'd say he's probably the best candidate to fill in back there as he has both the counter attacking and playmaking skillsets which are both ideal for a modern fullback.

And I expect Edmed will be the preferred flyhalf.

 

[Filipo Daugunu]

Do you try and emulate Wright or pick the strongest available option at 15 and adjust the game plan? Nobody in Aus offers what Wright can do, we saw that for the Wallabies.

I'd go for the next best option and let them play to their strengths and adjust the plan. Expecting someone to do something extra can only lead to errors IMO.

Its not just about playing like T Wright, but their attacking structure was heavily reliant on a play-making fullback who regularly comes in and plays first receiver. In the 2025 season, Brums were effectively playing two 10s (Lolesio/Meredith, and Wright). I expect they will run the same left-right structure, and put a playmaker at fullback in either Meredith or Anderson. Edmed at 10. I really doubt that Larkham will adjust the game plan, and then change it back when Wright returns in Rd 13.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Its not just about playing like T Wright, but their attacking structure was heavily reliant on a play-making fullback who regularly comes in and plays first receiver. In the 2025 season, Brums were effectively playing two 10s (Lolesio/Meredith, and Wright). I expect they will run the same left-right structure, and put a playmaker at fullback in either Meredith or Anderson. Edmed at 10. I really doubt that Larkham will adjust the game plan, and then change it back when Wright returns in Rd 13.

But I'm wondering if Dan Hooper might change things up a bit in the backline attack structures and play. He has certainly had the age teams playing an expansive style with ultra quick hands in recent years. That style wouldn't have suited Noah because he was more a shovel on player who also relied on his kicking game, as short as that usually was. I think both Meredith and Edmed will be more suited to a running style if that is implemented but personally favour Meredith at 10 because he is familiar with the rest of the Brumbies structures and imo is more skilled than Tane.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Larkham is hoping to have Lonergan back by mid-March so should not miss too much of the season hopefully. Schoupp is already back into pre-season doing live scrum work and contact sessions, he will be good to go for Round 1 it seems. McLeod will be the 12 is my guess, he will slot straight in and hopefully Feliuai can play 13 (if not Creighton or Sapsford). A centre partnership of McLeod and Feliuai (looked good at 13 in SRA) is a dangerous combination if they can make it work. Based on Larkham's comments it seems Edmed will be at 10, and then fullback will be a strong contest between Meredith, Muirhead, and Austin Anderson. Anderson will either be the starting fullback or the reserve 10 behind Edmed with Meredith playing fullback. The most interesting selection spot will be fullback, will he put a playmaker in Meredith/Anderson to replicate the attack under Tom Wright or play Muirhead with Toole and Sapsford on the wings. My best guess is:

9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Tane Edmed
11. Corey Toole
12. Jarrah McLeod
13. David Feliuai Lene
14. Ollie Sapsford
15. Declan Meredith

21. Klayton Thorn
22. Austin Anderson
23. Andy Muirhead

In terms of pure attack, this is the most exciting backline they can put together. McLeod will be a break-out star, with his size (192cm, 106kg), speed, and physicality he will cause trouble for most teams in the comp, and in my opinion is simply too good to be left out. Meredith will add a lot from fullback with good front-foot ball from this centre combination, and Anderson is a smart footballer who will cover 10, 12, 15 very well.

A couple of observations Filipo.

David Feliuai came off the bench in Super Rugby Aus against both the Reds and the Waratahs. He may have slotted into 13, but I can't say I noticed that. He started at 12 against the Force. Are you able to confirm that he did indeed play 13 in any of those matches?

In relation to the starting No 10 spot next year, here is what Larkham had to say when Edmed was announced as coming to the Brumbies :

Larkham praised Edmed for his recent performances in the green and gold jersey but insists he will compete with the likes of Declan Meredith and Austin Anderson for a starting berth.

“I think he's (Tane) been good for the Wallabies. The last two games of the Rugby Championship were terrible conditions, really wet, tough to attack in and particularly as a five-eighth, almost a nightmare scenario because you're under a lot of pressure with line speed. I thought he handled those games exceptionally well,” Larkham added.

“It’s good to see Joe (Schmidt) has given him significant game time there this year and I think that's going to help his development.

“He comes down here into a fairly competitive position. We've got Declan (Meredith) and Austin (Anderson), who will be competing heavily in that space.

“It's great to have someone of Tane’s experience, his calibre, come in and challenge the group in terms of the way that we train and the quality of our training.

“He'll obviously be fighting with those other players for a starting spot each week.”

Personally, I am heartened by his words that Tane will have to compete with both Declan and Austin for the 10 spot. In terms of the starting backline in 2026, if fit, I'd like to see:

9 Lonergan
10 Meredith
11 Toole
12 McLeod/Feliuai
13 Protchard
14 Sapsford
15 Anderson

21 Thorn
22 Edmed
23 Feliuai/Creighton/Mclead

 

[Filipo Daugunu]

A couple of observations Filipo.

David Feliuai came off the bench in Super Rugby Aus against both the Reds and the Waratahs. He may have slotted into 13, but I can't say I noticed that. He started at 12 against the Force. Are you able to confirm that he did indeed play 13 in any of those matches?

In relation to the starting No 10 spot next year, here is what Larkham had to say when Edmed was announced as coming to the Brumbies :

Larkham praised Edmed for his recent performances in the green and gold jersey but insists he will compete with the likes of Declan Meredith and Austin Anderson for a starting berth.

“I think he's (Tane) been good for the Wallabies. The last two games of the Rugby Championship were terrible conditions, really wet, tough to attack in and particularly as a five-eighth, almost a nightmare scenario because you're under a lot of pressure with line speed. I thought he handled those games exceptionally well,” Larkham added.

“It’s good to see Joe (Schmidt) has given him significant game time there this year and I think that's going to help his development.

“He comes down here into a fairly competitive position. We've got Declan (Meredith) and Austin (Anderson), who will be competing heavily in that space.

“It's great to have someone of Tane’s experience, his calibre, come in and challenge the group in terms of the way that we train and the quality of our training.

“He'll obviously be fighting with those other players for a starting spot each week.”

Personally, I am heartened by his words that Tane will have to compete with both Declan and Austin for the 10 spot. In terms of the starting backline in 2026, if fit, I'd like to see:

9 Lonergan
10 Meredith
11 Toole
12 McLeod/Feliuai
13 Protchard
14 Sapsford
15 Anderson

21 Thorn
22 Edmed
23 Feliuai/Creighton/Mclead

Yep, I agree that Edmed should not be an automatic at 10, Meredith and Anderson are both very capable players. I think the race will be greatly influenced by Wright's injury and who will cover at 15. I believe Feliuai came off the bench to play 13 against the Reds in Rd 1, and I am almost certain he played 80 minutes at 13 against the Tahs in the final round. He was named on the bench with the starting centres being McLeod and Pritchard, but Pritchard got injured in the first minute of the match and Feliuai played at 13. Im not sure if Larkham will go with McLeod-Feliuai centre pairing as they are both natural 12s, but geez it would be a menacing combination if possible. I am a little concerned by Pritchard's defence BR, he was shrugged off by Tim Ryan in SRA Round 1 about 4 times when marking him on the wing which I found quite concerning, I would be surprised if he was straight in at 13. Austin Anderson will have a big year in 2026, and expect McLeod will be pushing for Wallaby duties in 2026 IF JAS is moved to the wing and the 12 spot opens.

 

[Wilson]

Feliuai did start a game at 13 for the Rebels, and I'm pretty sure (it's a pain to check) he has played there in QPR a bit. Possibly in Romania as well, but I have no insight into that period of his career.

 

[Yoda]

A couple of observations Filipo.

David Feliuai came off the bench in Super Rugby Aus against both the Reds and the Waratahs. He may have slotted into 13, but I can't say I noticed that. He started at 12 against the Force. Are you able to confirm that he did indeed play 13 in any of those matches?

In relation to the starting No 10 spot next year, here is what Larkham had to say when Edmed was announced as coming to the Brumbies :

Larkham praised Edmed for his recent performances in the green and gold jersey but insists he will compete with the likes of Declan Meredith and Austin Anderson for a starting berth.

“I think he's (Tane) been good for the Wallabies. The last two games of the Rugby Championship were terrible conditions, really wet, tough to attack in and particularly as a five-eighth, almost a nightmare scenario because you're under a lot of pressure with line speed. I thought he handled those games exceptionally well,” Larkham added.

“It’s good to see Joe (Schmidt) has given him significant game time there this year and I think that's going to help his development.

“He comes down here into a fairly competitive position. We've got Declan (Meredith) and Austin (Anderson), who will be competing heavily in that space.

“It's great to have someone of Tane’s experience, his calibre, come in and challenge the group in terms of the way that we train and the quality of our training.

“He'll obviously be fighting with those other players for a starting spot each week.”

Personally, I am heartened by his words that Tane will have to compete with both Declan and Austin for the 10 spot. In terms of the starting backline in 2026, if fit, I'd like to see:

9 Lonergan
10 Meredith
11 Toole
12 McLeod/Feliuai
13 Protchard
14 Sapsford
15 Anderson

21 Thorn
22 Edmed
23 Feliuai/Creighton/Mclead

BR. I'm still amazed that Tane was taken on the Wallaby tour. Wasn't Meredith originally picked in Australia A squad but pulled out? Meredith looks for mine to be a much better footballer than Tane although I'm guessing because of that he will end up at 15. Tane couldn't play there as he's too slow.

 

[Hogie]

Who do Brumbies fans think will be the designated goal kicker next season? Is Lonergan likely to get the tee first up?

 

[Brumby Runner]

BR. I'm still amazed that Tane was taken on the Wallaby tour. Wasn't Meredith originally picked in Australia A squad but pulled out? Meredith looks for mine to be a much better footballer than Tane although I'm guessing because of that he will end up at 15. Tane couldn't play there as he's too slow.

Meredith was indeed selected and pulled out of the A team due injury. But he returned a week or two later to a MOTM performance against HKChina in Hong Kong. Must not have been a serious injury.