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Brett McKay

Brett McKay is an Australian sportswriter, broadcaster, commentator, and is one half of The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast. Brett covered rugby for Australian sports website The Roar for more than 15 years, has sat on Test Match and Super Rugby sidelines as a commentator for ABC Sport for more than a decade, and is a regular radio pundit for stations in Australia and New Zealand.

LONG READ
Opinion

Lessons the Wallabies must heed to turn Lions heartbreak into future success

The manner of their Second Test defeat by the Lions was shattering but exposed some of Australia's own weaknesses.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
29 Jul 2025, 2:46
LONG READ
Opinion

'The Wallabies need to convert much better - or Melbourne could be much worse'

The Wallabies showed encouraging flashes in the second half of their first Test loss to the Lions, but they can't afford to squand…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
22 Jul 2025, 12:31
LONG READ
Opinion

Noah Lolesio's injury highlights the Wallabies' fragile depth at 10

With the playmaker out of the Lions series, wizened fly-half James O'Connor may be required to run the Wallabies cutter.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
15 Jul 2025, 14:30
LONG READ
Opinion

Six selection questions for Joe Schmidt as Lions loom large

The Wallabies coach has a major issue at fly-half, decisions to make in his pack as well as concerns over his back three.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
08 Jul 2025, 6:11
LONG READ
Interview

'People remember Lions Tests, but the tour matches are where the magic happens'

Luke Morahan's sensational solo try for Queensland and ACT's win over the Lions were highlights of the 2013 tour.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
01 Jul 2025, 8:26
LONG READ
Opinion

Brumbies backed to rebound despite more semi-final heartbreak

ACT may have lost a fourth straight Super Rugby Pacific semi-final, but Laurie Fisher doesn’t believe it will leave any mental s…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
17 Jun 2025, 9:46
LONG READ
Opinion

Are Brumbies good enough to take next step? Will Reds ever make final four?

Questions abound for the top two Australian sides, with ACT eyeing history and Queensland stuck in a familiar rut.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
10 Jun 2025, 10:45
LONG READ
Interview

Tom Hooper: Brumbies’ ‘Land Cruiser in low gear’ revs up for Hurricanes

The versatile ACT forward talks Hurricanes, Wallabies, Scott Fardy and his move to 'Exeter Brumbies'.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
03 Jun 2025, 9:45
LONG READ
Opinion

Putting for birdie, saving par, or rounds to forget? How have Aussie sides fared in SRP?

What to make of the campaigns of the Brumbies, Reds, Waratahs and Force heading into the final round of Super Rugby Pacific?

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
27 May 2025, 11:06
LONG READ
Opinion

Why Australian rugby pins its hopes on the Brumbies to wrest the Super Rugby crown from New Zealand hands

Stephen Larkham's side underlined their status as the nation's premier franchise and burnished their title-winning credentials by …

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
19 May 2025, 14:25
LONG READ
Opinion

Key questions for four Australian teams on final stretch of Super Rugby Pacific

Can Brumbies and Reds secure home advantage for play-offs? Can the Force and Waratahs make top six?

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
13 May 2025, 6:22
LONG READ
Opinion

Crusaders impact could put veteran O’Connor in Wallabies mix for Lions

He may be 34 and only averaging 23 minutes per game, but could the experienced No.10 return to Australia fold?

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
23 Apr 2025, 0:58
LONG READ
Interview

Ex-England cap Nic Dolly: 'As a rugby player, you obviously want to be wanted'

Nic Dolly's England career was thwarted by injury. Now the Force hooker has his sights on playing for Australia.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
15 Apr 2025, 13:38
LONG READ
Interview

Matt Faessler: ‘To be involved in a home World Cup would be just next level’

While the Reds are focused on finessing their playing style in SRP, big rewards loom on the horizon for the Australia hooker.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
08 Apr 2025, 2:48
LONG READ
Opinion

Four Australians racing into contention to face the Lions

Reds prop Alex Hodgman, ACT blindside Tom Hooper, NSW No.8 Langi Gleeson and Force No.10 Ben Donaldson are all pushing hard for se…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
01 Apr 2025, 4:04
LONG READ
Opinion

Drought-busting win over Brumbies gives Waratahs platform to build on

Ending a seven-year losing run against ACT helps NSW fans fall back in love with their improving team.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
25 Mar 2025, 6:50
LONG READ
Opinion

Will the real Queensland Reds please stand up

Having swatted aside their age-old rivals from NSW, Les Kiss' troops are well placed to live up to lofty pre-season expectations i…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
18 Mar 2025, 14:12
LONG READ
Opinion

Statement win in Auckland gives Brumbies tools for Super Rugby success

ACT's surprise win over Blues bodes well for their chances of going beyond the SRP semi-finals this year.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
11 Mar 2025, 10:05
LONG READ
Opinion

The numbers show Super Rugby Pacific just got even tougher

Games are faster, defences more stretched, and coaches more challenged in the early throes of the new campaign.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
06 Mar 2025, 5:52
LONG READ
Interview

‘I tried to really line him up’: Swain holds sway as Brumbies 'brother' Ikitau feels full Force

Childhood mates whose careers followed the same path, Darcy Swain and Len Ikitau never thought they'd play against each other.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
26 Feb 2025, 2:14
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