Brumbies reward prop after unlikely rise from train-and-trial cover

ACT Brumbies prop Darcy Breen has completed a remarkable rise from pre-season train-and-trial prospect to long-term squad member, inking a deal with the Super Rugby Pacific outfit through to the end of 2028.

Breen is a product of the NSW Waratahs Academy and Sydney University, leading to Australia U20 representative honours in 2019. The front-rower was selected in that squad, who finished second at the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Argentina.

After getting a chance at Super Rugby level with the Waratahs in 2021, Breen followed a unique path to Major League Rugby with the San Diego Leion. Breen also linked up with Canterbury in New Zealand’s NPC, helping them win the provincial title last season.

Breen was brought into the Wallabies setup on a train-and-trial deal that was supposed to end in February, before the tighthead remained with the club after Allan Alaalatoa and Rhys van Nek sustained injuries.

Coach Stephen Larkham named Breen to debut in Brumbies colours against the Fijian Drua in round five, with the front-rower going on to make another six appearances to date. The club announced on Tuesday afternoon that Breen has signed on a multi-year deal.

“I’ve taken a pretty different path to get here, but to now have the chance to call the Brumbies home for the next few years is something I’m really proud of,” Breen said.

“From the moment I arrived in Canberra, the players, coaches and staff backed me and made me feel part of the group straight away.

“This group pushes each other every day and there’s a real pride in representing the Brumbies.

“I feel like I’m improving all the time here and I’m excited about what’s ahead. To represent Canberra and contribute to this club means a huge amount to me, and I’m looking forward to continuing to earn my place in the team.”

Breen made three consecutive starts to begin his Brumbies career, which included appearances against the Chiefs and Waratahs at Canberra’s GIO Stadium. But with Alaalatoa returning to face the Highlanders in Dunedin, Breen shifted to the bench.

Coach Larkham has included Breen in matchday sides for other fixtures against the Drua, the ladder-leading Hurricanes in Wellington, and a clash with the Queensland Reds at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium earlier this month.

“Darcy came to us with an opportunity, but also with work to do to be ready for Super Rugby. To his credit, he has put in the hard work and earned every minute of playing time he’s received this year,” Larkham said.

“We’re very happy to be keeping him around for the next two years. He’s a popular member of the squad and a powerful, reliable force at scrum time.”

Director of Performance, Cam Treloar, added: “Darcy’s earned this opportunity through consistency and hard work,” Treloar said.

“He’s come into the environment, embraced everything we’ve asked of him and continued to improve week after week. He brings real physicality to our front row and has become a valued member of the group very quickly.”