Merania Paraone

Fast feet, sharp instincts and fearless running lines; Merania Paraone brings pure energy every time she touches the ball. 

Hailing from Kaipara in New Zealand and proudly representing her Māori and Scottish heritage, Paraone first picked up rugby at 14 after a background in paddling. Despite never playing junior rugby, she rapidly developed into an explosive and skilful centre whose powerful carries and line-breaking speed quickly caught attention on both sides of the Tasman. 

After two standout seasons with the Chiefs in Super Rugby Aupiki, Paraone arrived in Canberra and made an immediate impact within the Brumbies system. Earning Brumbies cap #105 in Round One of the 2025 season against the Western Force in Perth, she brought flair, physicality and creativity into the Brumbies midfield that ultimately later earned her Brumbies Super W Back of the year. 

Whether stepping defenders with quick footwork, punching through contact or creating opportunities with her passing game, Merania plays with confidence and attacking intent. Her elite form also carried into the shortened format, starring in the Brumbies Sevens program and ultimately earning selection in the 2026 Next Gen 7s Team of the Series. 

Away from rugby, Paraone works as an Early Childhood Teacher while finishing her studies in Early Childhood Education and Care. When she’s not training, she’s happiest around the water; surfing or doing anything ocean related. One bucket list goal she’s finally ticking off this year is skydiving for her birthday. 

The youngest of 17 siblings, Paraone’s family remains based in New Zealand, while she continues building her rugby career in Canberra. And if you get her talking long enough, don’t be surprised if the conversation drifts toward the stars or how the human mind works. 

Heading into the 2026 season, Paraone continues to shape as one of the Brumbies’ most exciting strike weapons; explosive, instinctive and capable of breaking a game open in an instant.