Ashley Fernandez

Sharp in the lineout and impossible to miss at set piece time, Ashley Fernandez has become one of the Brumbies’ most reliable leaders within the forward pack. 

A product of Radford College and Uni-North Owls, Fernandez first came to rugby at age 15 after earlier experiences in touch football, rowing and netball. Since then, she has developed into one of the premier second rowers in the Super W competition, renowned for her lineout precision, leadership and ability to control set-piece contests. 

Standing at 182cm, “Ash” is a commanding presence in the Brumbies pack, often acting as the key decision-maker at lineout time. Her understanding of the set piece, paired with athleticism and consistency, has made her one of the competition’s standout lineout leaders. 

Fernandez made her Brumbies debut in 2021 against the Melbourne Rebels at Campese Oval in Queanbeyan, earning cap #60, before reaching another major milestone in 2025 when she debuted for the Wallaroos against Fiji in Suva, receiving cap #221. 

Away from rugby, she works as a learning support assistant while completing a degree in Secondary Education (Health and Physical Education) at the University of Canberra. Balancing study, work and elite rugby, Fernandez reflects the dedication required within the women’s game. 

When she’s not training, she enjoys reading, baking and spending quiet time with friends, while one goal still high on her bucket list is travelling to more countries, especially Spain, and connecting with extended family overseas. 

Heading into the 2026 season, Fernandez remains a cornerstone of the Brumbies forward pack; composed, intelligent and continuing to set the standard in the lineout.