Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies second row Cadeyrn Neville has extended his contract with the club until the end of 2026.
Veteran lock Neville, 36, moved to the nation’s capital in 2020 after three seasons in Japan with Toyota Industries Shuttles alongside club legend Christian Lealifano. He has gone on to play 62 times for the Brumbies, with nine of those caps coming last season.
The Dee Why-born forward was delighted to continue his stay in Canberra and is looking forward to taking on the British & Irish Lions for the second time next week.
"I’m very happy to extend my time with this special group and be part of the things we will achieve next season,” Neville said.
“You quite often don’t get to choose how your rugby career pans out, which can be tough especially with a young family and kids in school, so it is a privilege to remain settled here in the nation’s capital for another year.
“I feel very lucky firstly to have had a career as long as it’s been and then luckier still that it could contain two Lions tours. It would be special to play them again if I am selected.
“We were outclassed in that Rebels game 12 years ago, but it was a great occasion. I’m excited for what this game in Canberra will mean for everyone who is involved."
Neville attended Manly Selective Campus in New South Wales in his youth, before leaving his home in Manly to join the AIS rowing program as a schoolboy, competing in the Youth Olympics for Australia.
He didn’t try his hand at rugby until 2009, playing his first game for the Manly Marlins Rugby Union Football Club that year. The 6 ft 8 ins lock took to rugby like a duck to water and after impressing the Melbourne Rebels in the Shute Shield, he signed for them in 2011.
Debuting for the Rebels in 2012, Neville also played in the 38-0 loss to the Lions in 2013. After four seasons in Melbourne, two at the Reds and three in Japan, he returned to Australia to sign with the Brumbies in 2020.
He later earned his first cap for the Wallabies in 2022 against England at Optus Stadium in Perth, at the age of 33.
Head coach Stephen Larkham praised the forward’s professionalism and impact on the squad, with Neville having made 127 Super Rugby appearances so far.
“Cadeyrn brings enormous experience to the playing group and is among the fittest and strongest players at the club. He sets a fantastic example for the younger players who are just starting their careers,” Larkham said.
“He did a terrific job when called upon last season and his set piece is among the best in the country. We’re delighted that he has decided to stay in Canberra for another season.”
