The Brumbies are fresh off a trip to Kosciuszko National Park, the side proceeding full team ahead with their 2026 pre-season preparations - and Kadin Pritchard is hungry to get stuck in next year.
Making his Super Rugby Pacific debut last year against the Fijian Drua, Pritchard will now use his time in Super Rugby AUS and the ACT side’s recent tour to Hong Kong to push for regular selection next year, with a Len Ikitau-sized hole to be filled in the Brumbies’ centres.
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“It's moved pretty quickly,” the young centre told Rugby.com.au when asked about his progression in the last few months. “[I] didn't really have that much time to go, ‘wow, this is what I've actually done this year.’
“I've got through a lot… the Super Rugby debut, which was an unreal experience over there in Fiji. I'm still pinching myself to this day to believe that actually happened.
“It's been unreal just with the boys around me, the standards, the Wallabies boys. I'm just trying to take everything I can off those guys like Lenny [Ikitau], Wrighty [Tom Wright] and all the older guys in the back there.
“It's been unreal to get a debut and have this as my job.”
The next generation of Brumbies are set for a baptism of fire in 2026, with Wright expected to be sidelined until at least May and Ikitau overseas with the Exeter Chiefs.
However, Pritchard believes the extensive time he’s had with the Wallabies over the last few months, in addition to the developing combinations in Super Rugby AUS, bodes well for the new blood to hit the ground running.
“The vibe's been pretty good actually,” Pritchard said of the recent camps.
“The camp brought us together, brought us a bit closer. We're already a pretty close group, but that camp brought aspects like trust into the group, especially with the younger boys and the older boys, it was a good connection piece.
“Being a part of that altogether, it was a pretty good experience. The trust in the group has built up a lot… the closeness of the group is one thing that the Brumbies have always had.
Pritchard singled out Wright for his expertise, with the young centre excited to pick the star’s brains as he continues to bounce back from his ACL injury.
“He's just the ultimate professional here at the moment,” Pritchard said of the Wallaby fullback.
“[One piece of advice from him is] it's that the little stuff that you can do outside of actually being on the training paddock. Going and doing reviews, asking questions with one another, then with the older guys in the group, and then going to the coaches to get feedback.
“Then, not just getting the feedback, [but] going and putting it into your work and training, and then into games. That's probably the biggest thing I've taken away from the year.”
With the likes of Jarrah McLeod, David Feliuai and Ollie Sapsford spearheading a strong contingent of Brumbies looking to fill the Wallaby gaps, Pritchard backs the competition in the side to allow the Brumbies to maintain their form, with the ACT side being handed one of the hardest fixture draws in 2026.
The chance to also play with some of his favourite Wallabies and mates is also driving the centre to be a regular starter.
“One thing about the Brums here is that in terms of positioning, nothing's certain until that first game,” Pritchard said. The competition between all positions is unreal and something I especially thrive on.
“We've been just pushing ourselves to the max here, trying to compete for every little thing. You see it in the training, the intensity being through the roof in every position.
“That's also how we're going to make each other better by the time we get to that round one, by pushing ourselves here and competing that way. We know whoever does get that starting jersey has done the work.
“We've pushed each other, and that also comes in with the trust. Now I trust you to go and be the best player in your position.
“[Other players I’d like to play with], probably Rob Valetini. Everyone talks about Bobby, and I haven’t experienced going on the field with him yet.
“Having someone big like those guys, all those Wallabies guys, Alan, 'Bobby', all those guys. I have played [with him] a little bit, but Declan Meredith.
“[His] speed around the field, it's how I like to play as well, just fast around the park. I would be keen to take the field with him as well.”
