Iris Verebalavu

Powerful in the scrum and explosive around the park, Iris Verebalavu brings force and intensity to the Brumbies front row. 

Born in Brisbane with proud Samoan and Fijian heritage, Verebalavu began her rugby journey with Uni-North Owls after originally coming from an AFL background. Since taking up the game at 19, she has rapidly developed into one of the premier loosehead props in the women’s game, known for her destructive scrummaging, explosive carries and relentless defensive work rate. 

Playing her club rugby with Uni-Norths in Canberra, Iris quickly established herself as a cornerstone of the Brumbies pack, earning debut cap #51 in March 2020 against the Western Force at GIO Stadium. Her performances soon elevated her onto the international stage, reaching a career milestone when she represented Fiji at the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. 

Whether anchoring the scrum or charging into contact, Verebalavu plays with intensity and physicality that opposition packs feel all game long. But away from the field, there’s a quieter side too, balancing rugby with work as an Executive Assistant in Australian Defence and spending most of her downtime relaxing at home with her cat. 

Inspired by fellow rugby figure and Brumbies Women Captain, Siokapesi Palu-Sekona, for her selflessness, determination and advocacy within the game, Iris carries similar values into her own rugby journey. And while she’s fearless on the field, one thing still sitting high on the bucket list is swimming beside a whale... simply because “whales are cool.” 

Heading into the 2026 season, Verebalavu remains a destructive force in the Brumbies front row; powerful, dependable and proudly carrying her culture every time she takes the field.