'A rare talent': Wallabies' fastest man makes call on future

The Brumbies have secured the services of electric winger Corey Toole for another two years, with the 26-year-old saying Canberra is the only place for him at this point in his career.

Before Toole made his Test debut in last year’s Rugby Championship, he inspired Australia to their first World Rugby Sevens Series title with a series-leading 43 tries. Appearances at the Commonwealth Games and Sevens Rugby World Cup followed, before Toole returned to Canberra and established himself among the fastest men Super Rugby has seen.

Now a six-time Wallaby with a try on debut against the Springboks in South Africa, Toole says he is thrilled to continue his career in the ACT.

“I’m incredibly excited to extend my time with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia. Canberra certainly felt like home since the day I arrived, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be developing my game right now,” he said.

“Working alongside world-class coaches and playing with this group makes coming to work every day special.

“We have a driving ambition to deliver success for our loyal supporters in the ACT, and I’m fully focused on contributing to that while continuing to push for higher honours in the gold jersey.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

32

28

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

80%

The 55-time Brumby has scored 33 tries since debuting for the club in 2023, including five this year in what has been a hot-and-cold season for the traditional heavyweights.

After a flying start with wins over four of the five Kiwi teams, the Brumbies have just snuck into the playoffs with the sixth and final seed, and will head to Wellington to face an ever-evolving rival, the No.1 seed Hurricanes, for this week’s qualifying final.

Toole will be on board for the fixture, and Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham is glad to have him both in the team’s environment and on the field as his side returns to the bright lights of knockout rugby.

“We’re very pleased that Corey will be staying in the ACT with the Brumbies,” Larkham said. “His pace and skillset make him a genuine gamebreaker for our side, while his character and personality around the group are a terrific example of what it means to be a Brumbies player.

“Retaining players who have come through our pathways system is a major priority for the club, and Corey is a great example of the opportunities available across the ACT and Southern NSW region.

“Corey has already shown enormous potential at Super Rugby level, and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to grow and evolve over the next two seasons.”

Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, echoed those sentiments.

“Corey’s re-commitment is a great result for Australian Rugby,” Horne added.

“His speed makes him a rare talent, who progressed through the Australian Rugby pathways, tasted World Series success, and represented Australia at the Olympics before transitioning into Super Rugby Pacific and the Wallabies.

“Retaining homegrown players like Corey is crucial for the depth and future success of our national programs as we build towards next year and beyond.”