The ACT Brumbies are proud and excited to confirm Head Coach Stephen Larkham has re-committed to the club, signing on through to the end of the 2028 season. Canberrans, we're keeping one of our own right where he belongs!
A born-and-bred local and product of the capital’s rugby nurseries, Larkham isn’t just part of the Brumbies story, he helped write it. From steering the side around the park in his playing days to steering the program from the coaches’ box, his fingerprints are all over the identity of this club.
Across his two stints as Head Coach, Larkham has built a team that’s tough, smart, and unashamedly competitive. The club from the capital have reached the finals in every completed season under his guidance and, in short, he’s cemented the Brumbies status as Australia’s premier Super Rugby side.
He has built a program that cares little for history or hoodoos. In 2025, the Brumbies marched into Eden Park and ended a 12-year drought against the Blues. One year later, they doubled down, toppling the Crusaders in Christchurch for the first time in 26 years.
That edge has set his team up well for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, with the Brumbies opening 3–0 and again setting the pace among the Australian conference. The standards are set by the head coach, and they are being maintained.
For Larkham, the extension is about belief — in the squad and in the city.
“I’m really excited to continue working with this group of players. We’ve built a squad with tremendous potential, and I want to help them develop and deliver rugby that the Canberra community can be proud of. This city and this club have always meant so much to me and being able to contribute in this way is very special.”
Brumbies Captain Ryan Lonergan welcomed the news — and with good reason.
Lonergan said Larkham’s connection to the group is a genuine difference-maker.
“Steve truly understands our group and brings the best out of us on and off the field. His knowledge, preparation and belief in the players make a real difference.”
Brumbies Chairman Joe Roff described the extension as a major win, not just for the club, but for the region.
“Locking Steve down ahead of interest from other major suitors is a huge win for Canberra and the Brumbies. His commitment ensures stability and allows us to continue building a high-performance environment with a clear long-term vision.”
With Larkham secured through 2028, the focus remains consistent, blending hardened internationals with the next wave of local talent and chasing the Super Rugby title.
Canberra, there’s something to be said for a local boy leading our team. It’s homegrown, it’s authentic, and it’s a reminder that the Brumbies are truly ACT's team.
The Brumbies take on the Queensland Reds this Saturday, 7 March, with kick-off at 7.35 PM AEDT at GIO Stadium. Be there to see Steve’s men take the next step toward their ultimate goal.
