Brumbies flyer Andy Muirhead set to reach milestone in Reds blockbuster

Winger Andy Muirhead will become the latest Brumby to reach 100 appearances for the club based in Australia’s capital. The Brumbies take on Australian rivals the Queensland Reds at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday evening.

Muirhead’s journey down in Canberra began in 2017 when the speedster moved south from Queensland to play for the Canberra Royals. The winger debuted for the Brumbies later that year against the Kings at Nelson Mandela Stadium, Port Elizabeth.

As a key figure within the Brumbies, Muirhead has gone on to reach fan favourite status in the capital, with the winger scoring 33 tries to date. This season, Muirhead has crossed for six five-pointers and had three assists in seven appearances.

With the Brumbies coming off a bye week, with their most recent match a hard-fought win over the Highlanders in Canberra, coach Stephen Larkham spoke positively about Muirhead and the importance of the week off.

“Andy is a consummate professional who gives his all day in, day out for the Brumbies. He deserves recognition for reaching this milestone, it’s an incredible achievement,” Larkham said in a statement.

“He will come full circle this Saturday in reaching 100 caps in the place where he grew up and I’m sure he will have plenty of family and friends there cheering him on. The rest of the playing group will give their all to try to make it a memorable occasion for him.

“The bye week last week was welcomed, it’s given us a chance to recover and get our ducks n a row for the second half of the season. The Reds have been in good form in 2025 and we’re looking forward to taking them on.”

Muirhead has been named in a regular outside backs trio along with Corey Toole and fullback Tom Wright. David Feliuai will partner Len Ikitau in the halves, while Ryan Lonergan’s return to the starting side is the only change to the backline.

Lonergan will link up with Japan-bound Noah Lolesio in the halves.

In the pack, James Slipper joins Billy Pollard and captain Allan Alaalatoa in the front row. Nick Frost and Tom Hooper are the two locks, while Rob Valetini starts at blindside flanker with Tuaina Taii Tualima named at No. 8.

Rory Scott is the other member of the run-on side, with the loose forward retained at openside flanker ahead of Luke Reimer who will look to prove impact off the bench.

This Aussie derby in Brisbane is set to get underway at 6:35 pm AEDT on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

20

32

First try wins

20%

Home team wins

40%

ACT Brumbies to take on Queensland Reds

1. James Slipper
2. Billy Pollard
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Nick Frost
5. Tom Hooper
6. Rob Valetini
7. Rory Scott
8. Tuaina Taii Tualima
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Corey Toole
12. David Feliuai
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andy Muirhead (vc)
15. Tom Wright

 Finishers:

16. Lachlan Lonergan

17. Blake Schoupp

18. Feao Fotuaika

19. Lachlan Shaw

20. Luke Reimer

21. Harrison Goddard

22. Declan Meredith

23. Ollie Sapsford

Injury List:

Short-term:

• Klayton Thorn – hamstring injury, expected return Round 12
• Jack Debreczeni – groin injury, timeline TBC

Long-term:

• Harry Vella – ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, expected return Round 13
• Charlie Cale – lower back injury, timeline TBC
• Ben O’Donnell – hamstring operation, timeline TBC
• Tevita Alatini – ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, timeline TBC