Brumbies name Round 1 team for season opener in Perth

Super Rugby Pacific is back — and the ACT Brumbies have named their side for Saturday’s Round 1 showdown with the Western Force in Perth, with the season-opening clash shaping as one of the marquee matchups of the opening weekend and a major early statement in the campaign.

Electric centre Kadin Pritchard is set to earn his run on debut at outside centre, receiving the first opportunity to fill the boots left by Len Ikitau, who departed the club at the end of last season.

Pritchard, 21, made his Brumbies debut in the corresponding Round 1 fixture last year, coming on as a replacement against the Fiji Drua. Young guns Toby Macpherson (lock/backrow) and Tevita Alatini (prop) are also in line to debut after being named on the bench.

Head Coach Stephen Larkham said the newcomers have earned their opportunity and the squad is ready for the challenge the Force will bring at home.

“Round 1 in Perth is always a tough assignment. The Force are a physical side, they’ll be up for it at home, and they’ve got threats right across the park,” Larkham said.

“It’s exciting to see a couple of new Brumbies earn their opportunity in Round 1. Kadin has had an outstanding pre-season and really demanded selection with his performances in the trials.”

“We’re also looking forward to seeing Tevita and Toby get their first taste of Super Rugby. They’ve both worked hard, they’ve fitted in quickly, and they deserve the chance.”

The Brumbies arrive in Perth with plenty of confidence. The last three Super Rugby Pacific clashes between the Force and Brumbies have all gone to the away team, including the Brumbies’ 33-14 win in May 2025. At HBF Park, the Brumbies have won seven of their last eight meetings with the Force, including each of the last two, with their only defeat a 19-34 loss in May 2023.

Declan Meredith gets the nod to start in the No.10 jersey, combining with Ryan Lonergan, who will captain the side from scrumhalf.

The Brumbies’ front row will feature James Slipper, Billy Pollard and Rhys van Nek, with van Nek stepping in for the injured Allan Alaalatoa. Slipper, currently sitting on 198 caps, will take another step towards breaking the all-time Super Rugby games record of 202.

Lachie Shaw and Cadeyrn Neville combine in the second row, while the back row features a powerful and dynamic trio with Rob Valetini at six, Rory Scott at seven and Charlie Cale at eight.

Cale has been one of the standout performers across the two trial matches and will play his first Super Rugby match since Round 5 of last year, after he was sidelined with a back issue.

Pritchard will partner the powerful David Feliuai in the midfield, while Corey Toole and Ollie Sapsford form a fire-and-ice wing combination. Andy Muirhead will get the first opportunity at fullback, filling the boots of Tom Wright whilst he recovers from injury.

New signing Tane Edmed is set to make his Brumbies debut after being named on the bench for the all-Aussie clash. Fan favourite, Blake Schoupp is expected to make his long awaited return to Super Rugby after an extended stint on the injury list last year. The experienced Nick Frost is being given an extra week to prepare for his Super Rugby season after a long stint with the Wallabies in 2025.

Larkham reiterated his long-term approach with the make-up of the matchday 23, stating the team is taking a season-long approach to player rotation.

“We have confidence in our squad to deliver across a long season of Super Rugby,” Larkham said.

“Tane’s improving each week as his understanding grows around how we want to play — particularly in set-piece attack, multiphase attack, and multiphase defence.”

“He’s been settling into the detail of the role and developing those connections with his new teammates, and that connection will be vital as the season begins.

“Declan’s been in the system for four years, had a strong year last season, and has had a solid pre-season. He has earned his playing time, and the competition and depth the pair bring is a significant positive for the squad moving into the season.”

ACT Brumbies team to play Western Force – Round 1 

1. James Slipper  2. Billy Pollard  3. Rhys van Nek  4. Lachie Shaw  5. Cadeyrn Neville  6. Rob Valetini  7. Rory Scott  8. Charlie Cale  9. Ryan Lonergan (c)  10. Declan Meredith  11. Corey Toole  12. David Feliuai  13. Kadin Pritchard  14. Ollie Sapsford  15. Andy Muirhead 

Finishers  16. Liam Bowron  17. Blake Schoupp  18. Tevita Alatini*  19. Toby Macpherson*  20. Luke Reimer  21. Klayton Thorn  22. Tane Edmed**  23. Hudson Creighton 

*Super Rugby debut  **Brumbies debut