ACT Brumbies scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan has uncovered an unconventional method to stay in peak condition over the festive season, swapping calorie counting for hard labour on the family property.
Farm Fencing Beats Festive Feasting
Rather than stressing over holiday indulgence, the Wallabies halfback returned to Brumbies headquarters on Thursday, January 8, 2026, having passed his body scan with flying colours. Lonergan credits his physical readiness not to a strict diet, but to sweaty work on the Williamsdale farm during his break.
"I'm not too bad. I do try to keep tabs on what I'm eating, but I was quite flat out on the farm actually doing a bit of work," Lonergan said. "It was quite hot and I think that kept me in shape for the most part."
He emphasised that training alone isn't enough if paired with poor eating and inactivity. "I think farm work saved me this year ... I was fencing," he revealed, highlighting his secret weapon against the Christmas bulge.
Race Against Time for Lomax Code Switch
While Lonergan was toiling on the land, Brumbies officials were busy meeting with former Parramatta Eels NRL star Zac Lomax about a potential switch to rugby union. However, coach Stephen Larkham has indicated the window for this high-profile signing is closing rapidly.
The Brumbies face the Western Force in a pre-season trial in Perth on January 30, with the Super Rugby Pacific season proper kicking off on February 14. Larkham noted that even the returning Wallabies, who begin pre-season on Friday, only have three weeks' preparation.
"I'd say over the next couple of weeks we're going to find out," Larkham stated regarding Lomax's future. "It's getting pretty close to the season for any team that picks him up. He's less than two weeks' prep going into the Super Rugby season, which is going to be challenging for anyone."
Larkham believes Lomax's interest in rugby is genuine, despite reported links to the Melbourne Storm. Parramatta's blocking of that NRL move was part of their release conditions for the winger.
Lonergan's Fresh Motivation After Wallabies Debut
Lonergan returns to Canberra with a significant milestone achieved, having finally made his Test debut for the Wallabies against the All Blacks at Eden Park in September last year. The 27-year-old joked about previously growing tired of media questions regarding his awaited debut.
Now, that achievement and the bitter taste of the Brumbies' semi-final loss to the Chiefs in 2025 are driving his ambitions for the new season. "Particularly with how disappointing the end of the year was," Lonergan reflected. "It was such a big year and we showed so much promise throughout. Then to finish it off quite poorly it sort of just leaves you with a bit of a bad taste."
He expressed confidence that Lomax, should he join, could handle the transition despite the shortened preparation, citing his professionalism from the NRL. Lonergan himself is "super keen" to return and push for a deeper finals run with the Brumbies in 2026.
