Highly-rated Junior Wallabies international Lachlan Lonergan has signed a two-year contract with the Plus500 Brumbies, joining his older brother Ryan in the senior squad for the 2020-2021 Super Rugby seasons.
The hooker, who was an integral part of the Wallabies U20 side that reached the Junior World Championship Final against France in Argentina, had progressed through the club’s ACT Junior Representative grades and Academy structure and will join fellow junior internationals Noah Lolesio and Nick Frost in the squad for 2020.
“I’m really excited about signing a contract with the Brumbies and getting an opportunity to further my career at my home town club,” Lonergan said.
“The Brumbies have always been an important part of my life and, having progressed through the Academy with them, it’s a dream come true to wear the jersey.
“I know I still have lots to learn and am looking forward to continuing to work hard with Dan and the coaching staff to further my development and grow as a player.”
Lonergan, who plays his club rugby for Tuggeranong Vikings in the Griffin Legal John I Dent Cup competition, has been in outstanding form over the last twelve months including playing a prominent role in the Vikings 2018 John I Dent Cup success.
The prototype of the modern hooker, Lonergan combines solidity at the set-piece with the ability to offer support in both attack and defence, utilising his speed, which is a rare commodity and has been noted as a point of difference.
“Lachie has been in the pathway system for a number of years now and has earned a full-time contract off some excellent performances for the Australian U20 side where he was one of their best,” Plus500 Brumbies Head Coach Dan McKellar said.
“Like any young hooker his set-piece and physical development are areas we will work hard on with Locky. But he is a very good young hooker with a point of difference.
“He’s a good young local product who has an exciting future ahead of him.
“We have seen over the last couple of years that a number of players have come through the Brumbies Academy and Lachie is another positive story.”
The promotion of Lonergan continues the Brumbies tradition of growing their own players with several of the 2020 Super Rugby squad having been graduates of the club’s Academy system.
Plus500 Brumbies 2020 Super Rugby season memberships will be available from September 2019.
