Our Brumbies under-19s gear up for their Grand Final this Sunday (2pm kick-off), with history looming large.
Whilst winning one competition is a cause for celebration, the next generation of Brumbies are aiming for a scarcely believable feat. On the back of victories in 2023 and 2024, the side is gunning for a landmark three-peat against the NSW Waratahs.
What makes this more remarkable is the turnover in players. Given the age limitations on the squad, no players remain from the 2023 triumph. Similarly, only three players - Billy Hansen, Jack Gordon and Bailey Bouquiaux - returned from 2024, where the Brumbies were victorious over the Reds in Brisbane.
The competition is now a proven pathway for not only the Brumbies, but all Australian Super Rugby teams. Several members of our Super Rugby Pacific squad have featured in the competition, with a number of those tasting success. Captain of the victorious 2024 squad, Shane Wilcox, has recently featured in the Brumbies’ Super Rugby AUS side, demonstrating the ability of the competition to prepare players for senior football.
This 2025, our Brumbies have done it the tough way. Trips to Brisbane and Perth may have appeared daunting on paper, yet two victories are reflective of the squad’s maturity. Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham touched on the professionalism within the setup. “It makes our job easier once they get to Super Rugby level (referring to the under-19s). The exposure they get to the professional elements of the game holds them in good stead when transitioning into senior footy.”
Both away victories were built on front-foot ball, made possible by a dominant forward pack. Several members of the squad featured in the competition’s Team of the Week across all three rounds, helping to push their case for higher honours.
Though the Round 3 defeat to the Waratahs may have cost the side a home Grand Final, the squad will no doubt relish the opportunity to snatch the title on NSW turf. The rivalry between the two clubs needs no introduction, and it would be unwise to assume that it doesn’t translate to age-group rugby.
It is worth noting that the Brumbies led up until the 62nd minute of the match, proving themselves as a genuine threat for Sunday’s decider.
Under-19s coach Lachie Creighton will look to some of his stars this weekend, perhaps none more so than fly-half Chase Oates. Oates, whose older brother Kye featured in Super Rugby AUS, was named in the Team of the Week for Rounds 1 and 2 and has been labelled by some as a “potential Wallabies fly-half”.
His battle with Waratahs fly-half Henry Conick will no doubt go a long way in deciding the match.
All eyes will be on ‘Rat Park’ in Warringah as our Brumbies under-19s seek to make history. Regardless of the result, the sustained success of at under-19s level is a testament to the culture and environment of the famed Brumbies academy.
Broadcast:
The match will be available to stream on STAN and YouTube (via Rugby.com.au)
