Lock Eamon Doyle has been named as captain for the Waratahs in Swyftx Super Rugby AUS, as they begin their title defence against the Brumbies in Round 1 in Bungendore on Sunday (2PM AEST kick-off).
Born in Austinmer, near Wollongong, Doyle, 20, is yet to make a Super Rugby Pacific appearance but led Sydney University in this season’s Shute Shield competition. He also captained Australia U20s at the World Junior Rugby Championships in Italy in 2025, leading his side to a fifth-place finish.
The young second-row found out earlier in the week he would be skipper for the Waratahs in the competition and believes his previous experience as a captain will stand him in good stead.
“I found out on Monday in the car coming back from breakfast. Locky called me and he said they would like to name me captain - I was definitely surprised at first,” Doyle said.
“He reassured me that it's a young squad and that's all what Super Rugby AUS is about, giving young guys a go and it'll be a good opportunity for me.
“I've definitely learned a lot being a captain before from both Australia U20s and club rugby, but they are two different things. At 20s, a lot of guys are obviously your age, whereas club rugby is more open.
“The most important thing about being captain is not worrying about what other people but just doing your job well and relying on having a group around you to support you and help you make the right decisions.”
The 20-year-old cited club captain and Sydney Uni teammate Matt Philip as a mentor: “Me particularly being a second-row and Matt also being one at Sydney Uni, I think he's learned a lot about being captain but also about playing rugby,” Doyle added.
“He says the most important thing about being captain is just focussing on your role and not trying to overplay your hand. Coaches pick you as captain for a reason, you don't need to change, just be yourself and others will hopefully follow.”
Head Coach Lachlan McCaffrey was delighted for Doyle and compared him to some of the great captains he played with throughout his playing career.
“This is setting Doyley (Eamon) up for his future as hopefully a successful leader at the Waratahs and higher honours in Australia,” McCaffrey said.
“The thing that stands out for me with Doyley is not only that he prides himself on hard work out on the grass, but he's also just a really good young man.
“And I think all the good leaders I've ever played with, Allan Alaalatoas, Christian Leali’ifano, Tom Youngs overseas, they're good rugby players, but most importantly they're good human beings. That's something that Doyley has in spades.”
There is a first start in a Waratahs’ senior team for tighthead prop Edwin Langi, who won the Dave Dennis Academy Player of the Year at this year’s Waratahs awards night. He lines up alongside Super Rugby regulars Tom Lambert and Ethan Dobbins in the front-row.
In the second-row, Miles Amatosero returns from recently earning his first two caps with the Wallabies against Italy and Japan to partner Doyle.
In the back-row, Academy products Justice Taumoepeau and Marshall Le Maitre also get their chance, lining up with the experienced Pete Samu.
Teddy Wilson was in devastating form for Easts in this year’s Shute Shield, guiding them to a 31-15 win in last weekend’s Grand Final against Warringah Rats. He partners Max Burey in the halves, last year’s Player of the Year in Super Rugby AUS.
There are three Shute Shield regulars who get a chance to impress, with Freedom Vahaakolo and Otto Serfontein (both Easts) named at left wing and outside centre respectively. Latrell Smiler Ah-Koing (Two Blues) is selected on the right wing.
And McCaffrey is looking forward to some exciting rugby in the competition and has kept the training week as easy as possible for the group, which is split between Super Rugby, Academy and Shute Shield players.
“Going off last year, there were some high-scoring games in Super Rugby AUS and I think it will be similar this year,” McCaffrey said.
“I know with a young group, it's important that they kick off confident in their ability and in a really simple game plan - something that they feel is really achievable to do for 80 minutes. So that's what the coaches and myself have done and I don't want them thinking too much when it comes to the start line in Bungendore.
“We're keeping this week pretty easy and making sure they're confident going out and just showing their natural ability, because we've picked them for a reason.”
In the reserves, there is a seven-three split. Isaac Kailea takes his place on the bench, having returned from Wallabies duty in Argentina earlier in the week.
Former Brumbies Academy player Joe Dillon is named as the reserve fly-half, with 18-year-old scrum-half Angus Grover and Gordon centre Jack Hardy also included as backs cover.
ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs
Round 1, Super Rugby AUS, 2PM AEST kick-off
Bungendore Sports Hub, 15 Halfway Crk Rd, Bungendore, NSW 2621
Starting XV:
- Tom Lambert
- Ethan Dobbins
- Edwin Langi
- Eamon Doyle (c)
- Miles Amatosero
- Justice Taumoepeau
- Marshall Le Maitre
- Pete Samu
- Teddy Wilson
- Max Burey
- Freedom Vahaakolo
- George Poolman
- Otto Serfontein
- Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong
- Sid Harvey
Replacements:
16. Oniti Finau
17. Isaac Kailea
18. Brady Dawson
19. Will Goddard
20. Tom Girle
21. Angus Scott-Young
22. Isaac Fonua
23. Angus Grover
24. Joe Dillon
25. Jack Hardy
