Coach Stephen Larkham believes that, despite new challenges, the blend of youth and experience will fill gaps left by several key Wallabies, and unearth some future stars in Super Rugby Pacific in 2026.
The ACT Brumbies will experience a change of the guard, with seven new names elevated to the senior squad.
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The ACT side has been one of the most settled in the Super Rugby competition over the last few years, leading the non-New Zealand contingent and making the semi-finals on the past four occasions.
However, next season will see the side lose several key names, headlined by Wallabies Tom Hooper, Len Ikitau and Noah Lolesio, as well as established clubman like Jack Debreczeni.
Despite this, the Brumbies will feature nine current Wallabies, with a further five previously capped for the national side, and another seven who have worn the Australia A jersey.
Larkham believes this mix with new blood with provide a radical shake-up to his side.
“We have a bit of talent coming through that is a little bit younger, has shown a lot of promise in the junior rep sides,” Larkham told reporters ahead of the squad announcement.
“We're very conscious that the players that we bring into the Brumbies, we want to make sure that we're bringing players in who have that potential to play at the next level, to go on and play for the Wallabies.
“I feel confident that all the players that we've mentioned today, all of the new signings to the Brumbies have that potential.
“It's now just got to be realised. A big part of the Brumbies program is continuity and making sure that we keep the squad together for a long period of time.
“We've got some really experienced players there that can guide these younger players through. No doubt it's challenging without a Tom Hooper, a Len Ikitau, a Noah Lolesio. It's a challenging time, but an exciting time where hopefully we see some of these guys put their hand up and become superstars.”
The Len Ikitau-sized hole will be particularly hard to fill, with the John Eales Medalist having had a stranglehold on the centres in Canberra and at the national level for a number of years.
However, on that front, Larkham believes his absence has created a plethora of options.
“We’re probably overloaded [on options],” the head coach believes. “We're blessed for talent in the centres. Lenny has been a mainstay of our team for the last five years.
“So there'll be some really good competition. Hudson Creighton's got the most experience in that space and has never really put a foot wrong in Super Rugby. And then we've got young guys, Kaden Pritchard, Jarrah McLeod, who have huge potential.”
Larkham also singled out the likes of Eli Langi and Kye Oates, believing both have the chance to challenge for regular starting spots with the likes of Hooper overseas, and Tom Wright likely not expected to be available until May.
“With Wrighty out now, probably until May, best case scenario, we will have a bit of competition in that space,” Larkham said of fullback.
“Declan [Meredith]’s played there before, Andy Muirhead has played there before and Kye [Oates] had a tremendous club season, but has played fullback for a long time now and has certainly trained with us.
“[I] felt that when he [Oates] was on the field [for Canberra Royals], things were being created and tries were being scored. When he wasn't on the field, it was a lot harder for the team to create those opportunities.
“[Oates] brings a remarkable skill set to the team, outstanding on his feet, great pass, great organiser, really good communication, sees the space exceptionally well.
“[Langi] has a great skill set with the right attitude, really tough mentally, has the ability to push himself hard at training. Extremely skillful in the line out, really fast off the deck, great skills in the air, delivers the ball exceptionally well, and a great head for rugby, really understands the game.”
