Aiden Stait’s journey to the ACT Brumbies has been one filled with many twists and turns, but the lock is ready to make a big splash as he eyes off featuring in their 2026 Super Rugby AUS campaign.
Originally starting his career in rugby league in Bathurst, a chance meeting saw an opportunity to swap codes - which eventually led to three years of adventures playing for Bayonne in the Top 14.
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“I was a leaguey, born and bred,” Stait said to reporters.
“I got the chance to go down to Illawarra with the Steelers, and I never made the final squad, but I was lucky enough at that trial there was someone from Sydney Uni and the Waratahs, and that led to me changing codes and going into union.
“Back then, there was always the [cross-code] rivalry, but with a few good chats with Mum and Dad and a few people in my corner, it was the right thing to do.
“I’m very happy I made that decision.”
Playing at Sydney University Colts level saw the 203cm, 130kg lock catch the eye of Bayonne, but the chance to play rugby at France’s highest level proved one Stait gave pause to.
It was ultimately conversations with family, plus input from the likes of Wallabies like Will Skelton and Reece Hodge, that made the lock take the jump.
“I was adamant that I wasn’t going, and then my Mum and Dad gave me a kick up the backside and said you’re better off going. I have no regrets whatsoever,” Stait added.
“He [Skelton] was unreal, he really gave me the pros and cons. He said, ‘mate, I love it, and I reckon you will too.’
“He made a really big impact on the decision, and a few others too like Chris Talakai and Reece Hodge.
“I think when I first saw the Eiffel Tower I cried, that’s the stuff you see in movies, social media. It was pretty cool getting over there and living [there] the last three years.”
Recently signing with the Brumbies on a three year deal, Stait felt the time was right to return, and conversations with Stephen Larkham and Ben Mowen saw an alignment between his goals and that of the ACT side.
His presence in Canberra has already been noted playing for Gungahlin Eagles, with the parents making the trip down from Bathurst every weekend that he has been playing.
“I think it was better for me to come back here for development, I want to be the best and contribute to the Brumbies, it worked out very well,” Stait added.
“It was an upfront, bashing type of footy [in France]. Here it’s a lot quicker, a lot more set piece and plays.
“It’s been unreal here. We’ve been working hard every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, the boys have been really good for me, welcoming me in.
“[My parents are] still in Bathurst and they’ve been down every weekend. They’ve missed out on footy for three years, I think they’re enjoying it, having me back over here.”
Despite the return home, Stait is now focused on becoming a regular starter for the ACT side, and has the perfect target to focus on with the announcement of the 2026 Super Rugby AUS schedule, set to kick off in September.
“That’s the goal [Super Rugby AUS] at the moment,” Stait affirmed.
“Keep working hard, get better, and tick that box off.”
