The ACT Brumbies enter the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season carrying the weight of four consecutive semi-final exits, with their hopes of grand final glory hinging on the fitness of a rebuilt machine and the emergence of new talent.
At the centre of the narrative is Wallabies star Rob Valetini, whose injury-plagued 2025 campaign limited his devastating impact. The back-rower, who won his second John Eales Medal in 2024, spent the first five weeks of last season sidelined and later battled hamstring and calf issues.
Brumbies officials were relieved when Valetini opted against activating an overseas sabbatical clause in his contract, choosing to remain in Canberra. With the physical presence of Tom Hooper now in England, Valetini's power in the contact zone is more crucial than ever for Stephen Larkham's squad.
The Playmaker Puzzle and Backline Reshuffle
The departure of key backs Noah Lolesio (Japan) and Len Ikitau (England) has left significant gaps, compounded by star fullback Tom Wright's ACL injury which will keep him out until at least May.
Into the flyhalf frame steps new signing Tane Edmed. The 25-year-old playmaker, discarded by the NSW Waratahs before a Shute Shield stint, finished 2025 with more starts in the Wallabies' number 10 jersey than any other player. He arrives in Canberra with a point to prove, though Carter Gordon's return to Super Rugby adds competition for both the Brumbies and Wallabies jerseys.
The search for a fullback replacement sees Declan Meredith emerge as a leading contender. The 26-year-old, who began his club rugby career in the number 15 jersey before switching to flyhalf, boasts a skill set that could mirror Wright's influential attacking game. Wright led the competition for metres gained in 2025 and finished third for try assists, clean breaks and defenders beaten.
Set-Piece Strength and the Turnover Battle
In the forwards, Wallabies lock Nick Frost has cemented himself as one of the competition's premier second-rowers. Standing at 206cm and 120kg, Frost led Super Rugby Pacific for lineout steals and finished third for overall lineout wins last season.
His ground game will be equally vital. Frost ranked eighth in the competition for turnovers won, a department where the Brumbies must compensate for the loss of Tom Hooper, who joined Exeter. Hooper and teammate Luke Reimer (fifth for turnovers) were central to the Brumbies' breakdown success.
Injury Comebacks and Future Wallaroos
Another key figure on the comeback trail is back-rower Charlie Cale. The Test-capped X-factor player's 2025 season was derailed by two stress fractures. Rugby Australia and the Brumbies have shown faith by re-signing him on a two-year deal as he rebuilds his body through pool work and pilates.
In the women's program, the Brumbies are nurturing future Wallaroos talent. Uncapped duo Lily Bone and Ella Ryan have been awarded national contracts, with Australia set to open their Test campaign at Canberra Stadium – raising the prospect of a home debut.
Ryan, a former Canberra Raiders NRLW player, returned to rugby union with the Brumbies and shifted to scrumhalf, quickly re-establishing herself as a Test candidate.
The Brumbies' 2026 campaign, set to begin in earnest, is a story of physical redemption, strategic recruitment, and the constant pursuit of that final, elusive step towards a Super Rugby Pacific trophy.
