The ACT Brumbies have promoted outside back Declan Meredithto the club’s 2023 Super Rugby Pacific squad, having been a standout for Wests in the Bentspoke John I Dent Cup.
Meredith has taken an unconventional route to the professional ranks, making the move from Cairns as a teenager to join Wests, earning an opportunity in the Brumbies Pathways program off the back of his performances in club rugby.
The 23-year-old has represented Far-North Queensland, Queensland Country, the ACT and Southern NSW Griffins and the Brumbies Runners along his journey and was recently selected for Australia’s Oceania Sevens campaign in New Zealand.
ACT Brumbies outside back, Declan Meredith said: “It’s truly a dream come true to have this opportunity.”
“Coming down to Canberra, I wasn’t really on the radar, but I always thought if I stuck at it I had enough to make it and thankfully [ACT Brumbies Academy Head Coach] Dan Hooper offered me a spot to train in the Academy which got my foot in the door.
“Getting the chance to train with the squad last year showed me what’s required at this level, and I’m excited to come into work and get better every day.”
ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “It’s fantastic to see our local competition giving an opportunity to another young talent.”
“Declan’s journey has been amazing and it’s testament firstly to his belief and work ethic that’s he’s earned this opportunity, but also to our Academy and Pathways program that identified his ability to progress to Super Rugby level and put the time and effort into developing him.
“I’ve been really impressed with the vision I’ve seen, particularly from Runners games last year where he looked more than comfortable with and against Super Rugby players and with his ability to cover multiple positions, he’s in a good position to make his professional debut in ACT colours.”
Position(s): Fullback, Wing, Flyhalf
Date of Birth: 28/06/1999
Born: Cairns, QLD
School: Redlynch State College, Cairns
Junior Club: Barron Trinity Bulls, Cairns
Senior Club: Western District Lions, Canberra
Representative Honours: Brumbies runners, ACT and Southern NSW Griffins, Queensland Country, Far-North Queensland, Australian Sevens XV
