ACT Brumbies 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Preview and Schedule
The ACT Brumbies and Their Place in Super Rugby Pacific
The ACT Brumbies are set to begin the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season from their home base in Canberra, with GIO Stadium continuing as their primary venue. With a capacity of 25,011, the stadium is more than just a place for matches—it’s a cornerstone of the club’s identity and a symbol of its deep roots in the region.
As one of the most successful teams in Australian rugby history, the Brumbies have secured three championship titles: in 2001, 2004, and 2020 during the Super Rugby AU era. Their legacy continues to grow as they prepare for another season of competition.
A Strong Performance in 2025
During the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, the Brumbies demonstrated consistency and resilience. They played 14 matches, finishing with a record of 9–5 and earning 44 points, which placed them third in the final standings. This strong regular-season performance earned them a spot in the postseason, where they reached the semifinals before being eliminated.
This experience will be invaluable as the team looks to build on their success in 2026. The Brumbies are led by captain Allan Alaalatoa, who brings both leadership and experience to the field, while head coach Stephen Larkham continues to guide the squad with his strategic vision.
2026 Schedule Highlights
The 2026 season promises to be a competitive one for the Brumbies, with a mix of domestic rivals and cross-competition matchups. Here are some key dates:
- February 14: Western Force vs. ACT Brumbies at 3:35 a.m.
- February 21: Crusaders vs. ACT Brumbies at 9:35 p.m.
- February 28: ACT Brumbies vs. Blues at 3:35 a.m.
- March 7: ACT Brumbies vs. Queensland Reds at 3:35 a.m.
- March 13: Fijian Drua vs. ACT Brumbies at 11:35 p.m.
- March 20: ACT Brumbies vs. Chiefs at 4:35 a.m.
- March 27: ACT Brumbies vs. NSW Waratahs at 4:35 a.m.
- April 10: Highlanders vs. ACT Brumbies at 3:05 a.m.
- April 18: ACT Brumbies vs. Fijian Drua at 5:35 a.m.
- April 25: Hurricanes vs. ACT Brumbies at 1:05 a.m.
- May 2: Queensland Reds vs. ACT Brumbies at 5:35 a.m.
- May 9: ACT Brumbies vs. Western Force at 5:35 a.m.
- May 22: NSW Waratahs vs. ACT Brumbies at 5:35 a.m.
- May 29: ACT Brumbies vs. Moana Pasifika at 12:35 a.m.
Roster Changes and New Additions
The 2026 roster sees several notable changes, with the arrival of flyhalf Tane Edmed adding depth and experience to the backline. Young players such as Eli Langi, Joe Dillon, and Jarrad McLeod also join the squad, signaling a fresh wave of talent for the upcoming season.
2025 Standings and Performance
The 2025 season saw the Brumbies finish third in the standings, behind the Chiefs and Crusaders. Here’s how the teams fared:
- Chiefs – 11–3 (51 points)
- Crusaders – 11–3 (49 points)
- ACT Brumbies – 9–5 (44 points)
- Hurricanes – 8–1–5 (39 points)
- Queensland Reds – 8–6 (38 points)
- Blues – 6–8 (33 points)
- Moana Pasifika – 6–8 (28 points)
- NSW Waratahs – 6–8 (26 points)
- Western Force – 4–1–9 (23 points)
- Fijian Drua – 4–10 (20 points)
- Highlanders – 3–11 (20 points)
The Role of Stephen Larkham
Stephen Larkham, the current head coach, has a long-standing connection with the Brumbies. He made 112 appearances with the club between 1996 and 2007 and represented the Wallabies with 102 caps. His leadership will be crucial as the team aims to maintain its high standards in the 2026 season.
The Start of the 2026 Season
The 30th season of Super Rugby begins on February 13, with the first match taking place in Dunedin between the Highlanders and Crusaders at 1:05 a.m. ET. Fans can look forward to a full season of exciting matches and intense competition.
Where to Watch
For those in the United States, sportify offers access to all major rugby competitions, including the United Rugby Championship, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, and more. Subscribers can watch live and on-demand content through the sportify app and FloSports platform.
Fans can also catch up on past matches through the sportify archives and stay connected via social media. Follow @sportify on Twitter, @sportify on Instagram, and watch on YouTube. Like us on Facebook to stay updated on all the latest rugby action.