Chris Mickelson

Built in Canberra, powered by diesel — Chris Mickelson doesn’t idle. 

A proud local product, Mickelson’s rugby story started at just four years old with Uni Norths Owls Juniors. From Brindabella Christian College through to Lake Ginninderra College, he grew within the Canberra system, following the example set by his older brother — his first rugby inspiration and benchmark. 

Nicknamed “Diesel” for good reason, the 184cm, 109kg hooker brings relentless drive to the front row. 2025 marked a breakout year. Mickelson topped the ACT Premier Rugby try-scoring charts, claimed the MacDougall Medal, and helped steer the Owls to their first John I Dent Cup premiership since the Norths and Universities merger in 2001. It was a season built on power, precision at set piece, and a nose for the try line. 

Those performances earned him selection in the Brumbies squad for the Super Rugby AUS competition in September 2025, before he was elevated to the main squad on a wider training contract for the 2026 Super Rugby campaign — a fitting reward for a homegrown forward whose trajectory is trending sharply upward. 

Off the field, Mickelson is a qualified electrician — hands-on, practical, and just as comfortable on the tools as he is in the middle of a rolling maul. When he’s not working or training, you’ll find him camping, fishing, or lining up a round of golf with mates. 

Heading into the 2026 season, Mickelson stands as one of the capital’s rising front-row forces — tough, tireless, and ready to keep the engine running at full throttle.