Another key name for the Wallabies has been locked in for the World Cup, with Charlie Cale committing to stay at the ACT Brumbies until the end of 2027.
Bursting onto the scene during the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, Cale would earn two caps for the Wallabies against Wales before injury cruelled his international season.
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The loose forward has missed the majority of the 2025 season, missing the current international season, most of Super Rugby Pacific, and the Super Rugby AUS season with a persistent lower back injury.
Cale was considered for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series squad, but ultimately was left out due to his injury.
Despite this, the 18-capped Brumby has been highly regarded as a long-term prospect for the Wallabies, developing a reputation for explosive ball running and physicality.
It's welcome news for Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss, further reinforcing the Wallabies impressive loose forward stocks for the 2027 World Cup, and for Stephen Larkham with the Brumbies after losing other Wallabies in Tom Hooper and Len Ikitau.
“I’m stoked to be staying at the ACT Brumbies and here in Australia for at least another two years,” the 25-year-old said in an official statement.
“The Brumbies are the club that gave me my first opportunity and is somewhere I know I can keep improving on and off the field, while genuinely building towards something special as a group.
“It’s been a frustrating time for me from a playing perspective on the side line but I’m certainly motivated to work hard to get back on the field as soon as I can. I’m excited to play footy again.”
“Charlie is a good young player who has unfortunately had an interrupted last 12 months or so on the field,” Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne added.
“We know when he is at his best his athleticism provides a point of difference in the back row and we’ll be doing everything we can to continue to support him as a player and a person.”
“We’re very happy to keep Charlie at the club for another two seasons,” ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham added.
“He’s a fantastic young player with some brilliant skills for a back rower. Whenever he’s pulled on a Brumbies jersey, he’s shown he’s got great potential.
“Charlie had a tough season this year due to injury, but he’s kept his head high throughout the recovery process and will be aiming to make a significant impact in 2026 and beyond.”
