ACT Brumbies playmaker Declan Meredith is ready to fill the boots of Noah Lolesio and Tom Wright as the club prepares for a new era.
The Brumbies enter this season with a fresh line-up after the departure of Lolesio, Tom Hooper and Len Ikitau for 2026.
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With Wright on the sidelines until at least the middle of the season, it opens the door for Meredith to make his case at either position after a breakthrough 12 months.
The 26-year-old started four matches in 2025, including a drought-breaking win at Eden Park against the Blues in March.
Despite Wright's absence, the Wests product has his eyes set on the number ten jersey, facing stiff competition from Wallabies incumbent Tane Edmed.
“We've got great depth in our Brumbies organisation here so there's a lot of other boys that can put their hand up for that fullback spot. Obviously, Andy [Muirhead] has done it before, and then we've got Kye [Oates] coming through the ranks as well, so it's an option, but my focus right now is to try and stick in that 10 jersey," he told reporters.
“...I'm just more than happy to be in the 23 and put my best foot forward out on the field each weekend for the Brumbies."
Meredith is relishing the chance to learn and compete with new recruit Edmed ahead of next week's trial against the Western Force in Perth.
“We're just feeding off each other, learning off each other and I'm learning a lot off him," he told reporters.
“He's obviously the Wallabies ten at the moment, and there are a lot of things I don’t know in my own game that he knows, and it’s great to just bounce off him and understand his knowledge of the game.
“It’s a good mutual respect and connection there. I think it's just a good opportunity for me, mainly just to learn off him.”
The Brumbies face a brutal start to the season, beginning with a trip to Perth before facing powerhouses Crusaders, Blues and the Queensland Reds in the opening month.
“It's always going to be a tough challenge no matter what draw we get, but two games against New Zealand teams are always going to be tough, so all we can do is just keep our preparation and focus on ourselves," Meredith added.
