The ACT Brumbies have announced an extended 37-player training squad for the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s Competition, showcasing a group full of international talent, academy prospects, and hungry fresh faces.
The 2026 Super W training squad is comprised of a core group of contracted players, complemented by a number of Extended Development Squad members, as the program works to identify its strongest 32 ahead of the season. The official 32-strong 2026 squad will be announced in April, ahead of the season kick-off in June.
Steering the group is James Erwin, taking up the Head Coach mantle for the 2026 season. Erwin has cut his teeth as Head of Women’s Rugby and Pathways at the Brumbies since 2024. He is excited for his group to dive into pre-season and start to build the fitness and combinations to set them up for success.
"While the season is still a few months away, I am genuinely excited by the way the wider squad is shaping up already," Erwin explained.
"The players have spent a lot of time in March building their chemistry prior to our national athletes heading into the Pacific Four Series preparations. The players are really invested in each other, and it will be exciting to see how this manifests itself leading into June."
Headlining the wider squad is the formidable Siokapesi Palu Sekona. The 2025 Brumbies skipper and current Wallaroos Captain returns to spearhead a new-look side that features a host of potential debutants ready to make their mark on the competition. Palu Sekona isn't the only one bringing green-and-gold pedigree to Canberra. The 2026 squad is stacked with a massive cohort of 11 players who are either current Wallaroos or part of the extended national setup. It's a level of elite experience that Erwin believes will be the ultimate difference-maker this season.
"The depth of Wallaroos-contracted players in our wider squad is a testament to work these athletes have put in across the offseason, and something we are incredibly impressed with," Erwin said.
“We are excited to see our national athletes bring their experience and insight from the international stage back into our squad and continue to drive the standards of everything we do across our Super Rugby season."
The international firepower doesn't stop there. The Brumbies have also secured the signature of Spanish dual-international Anne Fernandez de Corres. Bringing elite, dynamic experience from both Spain's XV and Sevens programs, Fernandez de Corres adds a thrilling global edge to the squad's backline options.
Complementing the international experience is a strong contingent of homegrown talent scouted from across the ACT and the surrounding Southern NSW region. The wider squad continues to reward the best local talent, featuring players from the local BentSpoke Premier 15s and Southern Inland Rugby Union club competitions.
"It is really pleasing to see the progression of so many of these athletes," Erwin added.
"Watching them develop from clubland, into our Kestrels and Women’s Academy programs is exactly what our pathway is all about.”
To help guide this blend of emerging talent and international stars, the Brumbies have added serious pedigree to the coaching box with the return of a true Canberra legend, Patricio Noriega, who joins the staff as a Senior Assistant Coach alongside the returning Angus Balmaks.
"Having Pato (Noriega) come into our Women’s program is massive, his knowledge and experience is invaluable, and the players are already thriving," Erwin said.
"Combined with Angus returning to build on our 2025 campaign, we feel we have a coaching unit that will continue to unlock the potential of this group."
Backed by this elite coaching unit and with their first month of pre-season grinding to a close, the Brumbies Women have their sights set firmly on June, where they will hit the road to clash with the Queensland Reds for their season opener.
2026 ACT Brumbies Women's Wider Training Squad:
Anne Fernandez de Corres, Ashlea Bishop, Ashley Fernandez, Bonnie Brewer, Chioma Enyi, Clementine Utumapu, Easter Savelio, Ella Ryan, Emily Hudson, Faitala Moleka, Georgie Hayes, Grace Sullivan, Iris Verebalavu, Isabella Tripet, Jane Morrison, Jess Grant, Kyah Little, Lily Bone, Linda Emelio, Makenna Ravouvou, Manua Moleka, Maronay Smuts, Martha Fua, Merania Paraone, Millie Parker, Paua Lee Going, Rayna Ellis, Savannah Roberts-Hickling, Siokapesi Palu Sekona, Sonrae Lui, Sophia Wright, Sophie Bowley, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Tania Naden, Tenniah Papa, Tessa Good, Thalia Uilelea
Coaching Staff:
- James Erwin – Head Coach
- Patricio Noriega – Senior Assistant Coach
- Angus Balmaks – Senior Assistant Coach
