Exciting youngster Jarrah McLeod has signed a two-year deal with the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies.
McLeod, 21, who commenced at the Brumbies as part of the Indigenous Pathways Program (IPP), an initiative spearheaded by Matthew Sonter (who is now Rugby Australia Indigenous Advisor) and the Brumbies, to provide opportunities for young Indigenous players from across Australia to pursue rugby careers.
The proud Yuin man made a huge impact off the bench, at inside centre, for the inaugural First Nations & Pasifika XV in their 24-19 loss against the British & Irish Lions on Tuesday night.
And McLeod, who is currently working part-time in manual labour building decking and pergolas, was delighted to secure a full-time contract at the Brumbies.
“I’m over the moon to sign on with the Brumbies. It’s very exciting for me and my family and I’m looking forward to representing the club in Super Rugby Aus and Super Rugby Pacific,” McLeod said.
“I’m very grateful to the Brumbies, Canberra Royals and the Indigenous Pathway Program to give me the opportunity to get to where I am today.
“I can’t wait to rip in.”
McLeod grew up in Nowra on the New South Wales south coast. He dabbled in both rugby union and league in his youth, playing schoolboy rugby with Knox Grammar, whilst also involved in NRL club Canterbury's academy system.
He headed to the nation’s capital as part of the Indigenous Pathways Program (IPP), with the initiative bringing young Indigenous players to Canberra. Players train with the Brumbies during pre-season and continue their development in the academy while playing for a local club. The Indigenous Pathways program is the first of its kind in Super Rugby.
McLeod had a breakthrough season for club side the Canberra Royals last year and capped it off with a try and an assist in their 34-19 John I Dent Cup Grand Final win over the Tuggeranong Vikings.
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham was thrilled by the prospect of McLeod becoming part of his squad next season.
“We’re really looking forward to Jarrah joining us full-time next season. He’s been on our radar for some time now and showed the world just how good he is the other night,” Larkham said.
“He’s an excellent ball carrier for someone of such a young age and has excelled in the local John I Dent Cup competition for the past couple of years.
“We’re excited to see how much Jarrah develops when he becomes part of the group.”
