Brumbies lock down rookie halfback Dan Nelson

The Brumbies have confirmed that scrum-half Dan Nelson has signed a full-time Super Rugby Pacific contract through to the end of 2027.

Nelson, 21, is a graduate of the club’s academy system and has impressed for the Canberra Royals in the John I Dent Cup this year, scoring seven tries. The Sydney-born halfback was also part of the Brumbies’ 2023 Super Rugby U19s title-winning squad and featured for Australia at the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa, where he crossed for a try against Wales.

A former Wahroonga Tigers junior and St Ignatius’ College Riverview product, Nelson moved to Canberra last year to pursue his Super Rugby opportunity. His promotion comes as a replacement for Harrison Goddard, who has departed for Japan.

Nelson said: “I’m super grateful to receive this opportunity and repay the faith the coaching staff have put in me. It’s been a dream of mine for quite some time to represent the Brumbies. I’m really looking forward to ripping in with the boys for the next couple years.”

Brumbies general manager of professional rugby and pathways Cam Treloar said Nelson had earned his chance at senior level.

“Dan is an awesome rugby player and has impressed the coaches ever since he arrived in Canberra. He’s very talented and will provide competition for places alongside Ryan [Lonergan] and Klayton [Thorn] in that position. We’re excited to see Dan develop further being a part of our group over the next couple of years.”