1
John Mitchell includes exciting wing in latest Red Roses squad update
2
{{item.n}}
ACT Brumbies Women set for key pre-season trials before new season
Comment
Share 
Defending Super Rugby Women’s champions the NSW Waratahs will make the trip to the nation’s capital for a pre-season trial against the ACT Brumbies, which will be part of a double-header with a final-round Super Rugby Pacific match.
The ACT Brumbies will take part in two trials ahead of the Super Rugby Women’s season, which gets underway in early June. Both the Queensland Reds and Waratahs will travel to Canberra for matches next month.
While the venue is yet to be confirmed, the Brumbies will host the Reds in the team’s first pre-season showdown on Sunday, May 17. Queensland made the Grand Final last season, falling to the Waratahs in a thriller at North Sydney Oval.
VIDEO
The Brumbies will then face the reigning champions at GIO Stadium on May 30, in a double-header with the Brumbies against Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific. New South Wales have been the team to beat over the last two seasons with back-to-back titles.
“We won’t necessarily forget about last year, it gives us a bit of drive and motivation to be better,” Brumbies centre Merania Paraone said.
“Our focus in pre-season is to get all the girls on the bandwagon, giving them real confidence and trust in their own abilities. Working with each other’s strengths helps me be better as a player.”
The Brumbies Women’s side started the 2025 season with a nail-biting 29-all draw away to the Western Force in Perth, with Samantha Treherne scoring late as the home side avoided defeat to in the opening round.
Tough defeats to the Fijian Drua and Reds followed, before the Brumbies season came to an end against the Tahs in Canberra. But preparations are underway for 2026, with the Next Gen 7s part of the build-up.
ACT Brumbies Women’s pre-season fixtures
ACT Brumbies vs Queensland Reds, Sunday May 17. TBC, Canberra
ACT Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs, Saturday May 30. GIO Stadium, Canberra
