The ACT Brumbies are exploring a surprising positional switch that could solve a major selection headache, with flyhalf Declan Meredith emerging as a potential stop-gap fullback.
Injury Crisis Sparks Creative Thinking
Wallabies star Tom Wright is facing an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery, with his return not expected until May 2026. The dynamic fullback was a statistical powerhouse for the Brumbies last Super Rugby season, leading the competition in line break assists and metres gained while topping the club's charts for defenders beaten and ball carries.
Head coach Stephen Larkham has confirmed Wright has resumed running in a positive sign for his recovery, but the lengthy absence has forced the Brumbies brain trust to consider unconventional solutions. The search for a replacement has turned attention to 26-year-old playmaker Declan Meredith, who has spent the pre-season battling Wallabies number ten Tane Edmed for the starting flyhalf role.
Meredith's Versatility and Ambition
Meredith, nicknamed "Danger," originally burst onto the rugby scene playing fullback for Wests in Canberra's John I Dent Cup competition. This background in the number fifteen jersey, combined with his ball-playing skills, makes him a theoretically intriguing fit to fill Wright's creative role at the back.
"It's always a possibility, but we've got great depth in our Brumbies organisation," Meredith said when asked about the potential move. "There's a lot of other boys that could put their hand up for that fullback spot. Obviously Andy Muirhead has done it before, and we've got Kye Oates coming through the ranks as well."
The ambitious 26-year-old made clear his primary goal is to secure a permanent spot in the starting lineup, regardless of the jersey number. "My focus right now is to try and stick in that 10 jersey," he stated. "I'm happy to be in the 23 and put my best foot forward out on the field each weekend for the Brumbies."
Flyhalf Depth Tested by Departures
A permanent shift of Meredith to the backfield would test the Brumbies' playmaking stocks, which have already been thinned by significant off-season moves. Former Wallaby Noah Lolesio has departed for a lucrative contract in Japan, while experienced backup Jack Debreczeni followed former coach Dan McKellar to the NSW Waratahs.
However, the emergence of Meredith as one of Australia's most promising flyhalves last season, coupled with the high-profile signing of Wallabies incumbent Tane Edmed, provides the coaching staff with coverage and confidence. Meredith praised the new partnership, highlighting the learning opportunity Edmed presents.
"We're just feeding off each other," Meredith explained. "I'm learning a lot off him. He's obviously the Wallabies' 10 at the moment so there's a lot of things I don't know in my own game that he knows. He was, I thought, the best Tahs 10 last year. For me to work closely with him, we're going to help each other go on in leaps and bounds."
The Brumbies are now just a fortnight away from their opening pre-season trial against the Western Force in Perth, where Larkham's early selection puzzles will begin to be solved.
