The ACT Brumbies Runners have unfinished business — and they’re looking to settle the score at home.
On Saturday afternoon, March 14 (4:00pm AEDT), the Runners host the NSW Waratahs in an extended trial match at Brumbies HQ, bringing together a mix of top-squad experience, exciting development and local talent.
The last time these two sides clashed, a severe electrical storm in Sydney cut the game short, leaving the Waratahs with a 29-12 advantage.
Now, with the storm cleared and the home ground advantage, the men from the capital are hunting for redemption.
The squad is headlined by the highly anticipated return of Wallaby Lachlan Lonergan. The dynamic hooker makes his comeback after a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a knee injury sustained last year, ready to lay a physical platform from the first whistle.
Lonergan’s return creates a domino effect in the forward pack, pushing Uni-Norths standout Chris Mickelson from his usual hooking role to the flank.
Starting from the front, Finn Baxter packs down at loosehead prop, joining Lonergan and tight head Reon Lowery to form a formidable front row. Behind them, towering locks Darcy Fogarty and Harvey Cordukes bring size and steel to the second row. The forward pack is rounded out by a mobile loose forward trio, featuring Brumbies young gun Eli Langi, the newly shifted Mickelson, and Judah Saumaisue who will provide power and work rate at number eight.
Lachie Smith takes the reins at scrum-half, partnering with Royals fly-half Joe Dillon to steer the attack. In the midfield, rising star Jarrah McLeod lines up at inside-centre alongside Malakye Enasio, who will look to provide a physical edge.
Out wide, the outside backs bring serious strike power. Queanbeyan Whites’ danger man Koko Salim is unleashed on the left wing, with Shane Wilcox bringing the heat on the right, and Nate Carroll anchoring the backline at fullback.
The finishers are primed to make their mark in this extended 26-man squad. Lipina Ata, Tauati Chan-Tung, Te Huia Kutia, Jack Gordon, Kali Vaipulu, Cooper Eagle, Jack Harley, Sam Watson, Chace Oates, Dylan Bretton, and Louis Bartley-Saena will inject vital energy, size, and physicality, ensuring the Runners can lift the tempo and close out strong when it matters most.
There’s redemption on the line, and vital minutes to be played. Now they need Canberra behind them at HQ.
Match Details: Date: Saturday, 14 March 2026 Kick-off: 4:00pm AEDT
Venue: Brumbies HQ
ACT Brumbies Runners Starting XV:
- Finn Baxter
- Lachlan Lonergan
- Reon Lowery
- Darcy Fogarty
- Harvey Cordukes
- Eli Langi
- Chris Mickelson
- Judah Saumaisue
- Lachie Smith
- Joe Dillon
- Jarrah McLeod
- Malakye Enasio
- Koko Salim
- Shane Wilcox
- Nate Carroll
Finishers: Lipina Ata, Tauati Chan-Tung, Te Huia Kutia, Jack Gordon, Kali Vaipulu, Cooper Eagle, Jack Harley, Sam Watson, Chace Oates, Dylan Bretton, Louis Bartley-Saena.
