The ACT Brumbies went winless in 2025 – perhaps at times unlucky – but they’ll want to turn those results arounds with a new Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season ahead of them.
No wins last year and two defeats to the Reds and Force in recent trial games doesn't tell the whole story for the Brumbies in the past 18 months and their ability to develop national talent.
Watch every second of the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women's season live and on demand via Stan Sport. However, the club do have it all to play for in 2026 and with three trial games under their belt in the pre-season - a final trial against the Waratahs on Saturday - they'll have enough time to settle on a starting side for the season ahead.
ACT Brumbies Head of Women's Pathways James Erwin takes over as head coach, replacing Andy Friend, as the Brumbies turn to a host of fresh faces in the region to complement a core group of internationals in the squad.
Former Wallaroo Ivania Wong arrives to the nation’s capital chasing a fresh start and looking to get back on the national radar while Millie Parker joins from the NSW Waratahs looking to build her craft at hooker.
Spanish scrum-half Anne Fernandez de Corres and Japanese prop Wako Kitano add international flavour to the squad in 2026.
Among the departures include Katalina Amosa (Western Force), Biola Dawa, who is pregnant, retired Wallaroo Lydia Kavoa and former international Sally Fuesaina, who has joined Sydney University.
Ash Fernandez, Chioma Enyi, Easter Savelio, Iris Verebalavu, Jane Morrison, Jess Grant, Lily Bone, Linda Emelio, Martha Fua, Millie Parker, Rayna Ellis, Siokapesi Palu Sekona, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Tania Naden, Tenniah Papa, Tessa Good, Thalia Uilelea, Wako Kitano.
Anne Fernandez de Corres, Ash Bishop, Bonnie Brewer, Ella Ryan, Faitala Moleka, Georgie Hayes, Ivania Wong, Makenna Ravouvou, Manu'a Moleka, Merania Paraone, Paula Lee Goin, Savannah Roberts-Hickling, Sonrae Lui.
There were seven Brumbies who were part of the Wallaroos’ Pacific Four series campaign including Lily Bone and Ella Ryan, who earned maiden caps during the tour.
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona and Faitala Moleka played in all four international fixtures while Tania Naden, Ash Fernandez and Martha Fua were used at various times across the six weeks.
Add in Tabua Tuinakauvadra (see below) and the Brumbies will rely heavily on their Wallaroo contingent to lead them through the trenches in 2026.
Tabua Tuinakauvadra was a key out for the Wallaroos during their Test campaign with the reigning player of the year having knee surgery in the off-season.
Tuinakauvadra is on track to return during the Super Rugby Women’s season and her inclusion in the side each week is vital given the leadership and experience she brings.
Chioma Enyi suffered a syndesmosis injury during the pre-season but returned to the field during the trials in a timely boost.
Manu’a Moleka (knee) continues to recover from an ACL injury suffered during the Rugby World Cup last year.
Savannah Roberts-Hickling. The young gun joins the Brumbies after coming through the junior ranks as a cross-code star that played across rugby and rugby league.
The former Ballina High School student moved to Canberra and was part of the Indigenous Pathways Program, becoming the first graduate of the initiative to earn a Super Rugby Women’s contract.
The 19-year-old previously had a development contract with the Gold Coast Titans and although is unlikely to get a start in Round One, could force her way into the 23 by season's end.
Japanese import Wako Kitano arrives to Canberra bringing valuable international experience to the side.
The prop proved a genuine strike weapon while playing for the Sakura XVs at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, including scoring a try against Spain.
Kitano has 25 caps under her belt and in an area of need for the Brumbies will be crucial to the side's chances up front.
Faitala Moleka. The Wallaroos playmaker returns to the Brumbies coming off a Pacific Four series campaign where she was ushered into the fullback role before a final Test match at flyhalf against the Black Ferns.
It's a hybrid role that is likely to continue at the Brumbies with Ella Ryan also given game time at flyhalf during the trials with Moleka at fullback.
Given the Brumbies’ struggles in the past 12 months, a lot relies on the boot and decision-making of Moleka, regardless of the position she's in.
The Blacktown Scorpions junior will need help around her to make a huge impact on a game.
"I'm happy with how we are progressing and how the team is coming together. It's been uniquely challenging having [national] players come back from the Pacific Four series and then having them back for three and a half weeks. We're going into Round 1 knowing it's a must-win and we're not building into the season and going through the motions." - Brumbies coach James Erwin.
The Brumbies kick off their campaign against the Reds at Ballymore before hosting the Waratahs in Canberra.
A road trip to Nadi awaits them in Round 3 prior to a bye with the Fijian Drua in Nadi.
They’ll finish their regular season with a home game against Western Force in July.
- Round 1 – Sunday 7 June: Reds v Brumbies at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane (1:05pm AEST)
- Round 2 –Sunday 14 June: Brumbies v Waratahs at Viking Park, Canberra (2:05pm AEST)
- Round 3 – Saturday 20 June: Drua v Brumbies at Prince Charles Park, Nadi (12:05pm AEST)
- Round 4 – Bye
- Round 5 – Sunday 5 July: Brumbies v Force at Viking Park, Canberra (2:05pm AEST)
