You’d struggle to find a player in modern Rugby right now that has had a wilder 12 months than Tane Edmed.
Edmed finds himself back in the Wallabies squad for the two Tests against the world champion Springboks after a concussion to Tom Lynagh.
It adds another chapter to the Eastwood product’s crazy journey in recent months.
“I'm just super excited to get back in there. It's the environment you want to be and just super honoured,” Edmed said to reporters.
“I definitely thought there was a chance. I've been in close contact with Joe [Schmidt] and the coaches, and they've always said stay ready and despite the Super comp probably not going the way I would have liked, I always felt like I was a chance.”
Edmed’s journey started towards the end of 2024 when he was thrust into the national set-up after a bold move to play in New Zealand’s NPC delivered in spades.
He would get a Test debut against Ireland two months later; however, he was forced off after three minutes due to a concussion.
“It was a weird one,” Edmed said on the day.
“Obviously, super special to run out and make my Wallabies debut and it didn't go how you envisioned it to go, you think of everything else but that happening.
“I was obviously really disappointed, and probably disappointed for a couple of days after, but then when I got home and reflected on it, obviously it was a really special achievement to play for Australia.
“I was just super motivated to get another opportunity.”
The 24-year-old started the year as the front-runner for the Waratahs flyhalf role but was limited to just five starts as the likes of Lawson Creighton and Jack Bowen leapt him in the depth charts.
The troubles at the Waratahs provided a new perspective for the flyhalf, who would end up linking up with the ACT Brumbies for 2026.
“It's been emotionally tough at times,” Edmed explains.
"Obviously, the Waratahs are a team that I care a lot about and have worked extremely hard to be in that position. It definitely was tough at times, but as I've said before, it was positive for me in a way to have a different perspective on rugby and take away things that are really positive in my life.
“I was still going to training with my mates every day and still playing footy, a sport that I love, despite it not going to plan and then just staying constant on what I stand for. I've always been someone who likes to work hard and just keep improving day to day and that's all you can really do, then, hope that you get an opportunity.
“Obviously, things didn't quite work out at the Tahs, but then another opportunity arises with the Brumbies, which is super special.”
Edmed’s selection for the AUNZ side to face the British & Irish Lions was a sign that he was still firmly in Joe Schmidt’s plans, with the playmaker watching on with fellow Waratahs teammates at Woollahra Oval when Tom Lynagh was cleaned out high by Dan Sheehan, a hit that earned the Irish hooker a four match ban.
“[AUNZ] was an outstanding week getting the chance to play with a lot of superstars, play alongside a lot of superstars and pick their brains,” he admits.
“Getting coached by Les [Kiss, AUNZ and future Wallabies coach] was obviously really, really cool insight into his approach to things but then also being coached by Ian Foster was something that was really special for me. I chewed his ear off all week. The boys were kind of taking the piss out of me a little bit, but I tried to learn as much as I could from him and the other boys in the squad.
“Obviously the result wasn't what we were looking for, but it was an unreal week. It's something I won't forget.”
Now, Edmed has the confidence necessary to take his second chance at Test level if called upon against the number one side in the world.
“I definitely feel like I'm ready. Playing in that AUNZ team and starting against the Lions was a big confidence booster as well. I definitely think I'm ready if called upon."
