The ACT Brumbies have secured a significant financial boost ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby season, announcing a three-year principal partnership with global insurance giant Gallagher. This major sponsorship deal comes at a crucial time for the Canberra-based club, with attention now shifting to the future of highly-regarded coach Stephen Larkham.
Sponsorship Provides Stability Amid Coaching Uncertainty
Gallagher Insurance will feature prominently on the front of the Brumbies' jersey for the next three seasons, marking the club's first front-of-jersey sponsorship agreement negotiated under Rugby Australia's control. The deal represents a substantial financial injection that strengthens the club's bottom line as they prepare for their season opener against the Western Force in Perth on February 14.
Brumbies chairman Joe Roff expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that having such a recognisable brand on the jersey "instils confidence in a team that is, and has traditionally been leading the way for high performance in Australia."
Larkham's Future Becomes Immediate Priority
With the sponsorship now finalised, Rugby Australia's focus will quickly turn to securing a new multi-year deal for coach Stephen Larkham, whose current contract expires at the end of 2026. Larkham has built what Roff describes as "the best high performance program" in Australian rugby, making his retention a top priority for the governing body.
Roff has long maintained that Larkham's promotion to the Wallabies coaching role would be "a matter of when, not if," highlighting the coach's significant contribution to developing players at both men's and women's levels. A new deal for Larkham would represent a major coup for the Brumbies as they seek to build on their strong reputation in Australian rugby.
New Jersey Design Marks Super Rugby Milestone
The sponsorship announcement coincided with the unveiling of the Brumbies' 2026 jersey, which features a reimagined logo inspired by the version used from the club's inception in 1996 until 2004. This design change marks 30 years of Super Rugby, celebrating the competition's history while looking toward the future.
Players including Allan Alaalatoa, Ryan Lonergan, Siokapesi Palu and Tabua Tuinakauvadra modeled the new jersey, which now prominently displays the Gallagher logo as part of the club's refreshed visual identity.
Growing Rugby Portfolio for Gallagher
The Brumbies join an impressive rugby portfolio for Gallagher Insurance, which already includes sponsorship agreements with the Wallabies, Wallaroos, New Zealand Rugby, the Chiefs, and the English Premiership Rugby competition. This expansion demonstrates Gallagher's growing commitment to rugby sponsorship across multiple competitions and nations.
Tony Shaw, a former Wallabies captain and Queensland great who now works for Gallagher, acknowledged the partnership might require some personal adjustment, joking that as a "staunch Queenslander" he never thought he'd say "go the Brumbies." However, he suggested that if the Brumbies reach the grand final, he might even wear their jersey.
Positive Start Under Rugby Australia Control
Brumbies officials report that life under Rugby Australia's control has largely begun positively, with commercial teams from both organisations working "hand in glove" to secure the Gallagher partnership. Roff noted that "the sky hasn't fallen in" since RA assumed control, with high performance squads continuing to train for success and healthy tribalism between the Brumbies, Queensland, and NSW teams.
Roff emphasized that the Brumbies remain "Canberra's team" and expressed hope that off-field stability would translate to on-field success in the upcoming Super Rugby season. The combination of financial security through the Gallagher partnership and potential coaching continuity with Larkham provides a solid foundation for the club's future ambitions.
