Tane Edmed headlines Brumbies team for Force Super Rugby trial

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has handed Tane Edmed the first opportunity to wear the No. 10 jersey in 2026, with the Wallabies fly-half named in the starting side for a Super Rugby Pacific trial against the Western Force this week.

Edmed spoke with reporters two weeks ago about having “big shoes to fill” at the Brumbies this season, following Noah Lolesio’s departure last year. With Edmed moving south from the NSW Waratahs, a new era awaited both the playmaker and the club.

But Declan Meredith, who captained the Brumbies last November against Hong Kong China, is another option to start at fly-half this season. Meredith spoke earlier this month about wanting to lock down a starting spot at either fullback or fly-half.

Coach Stephen Larkham has named Edmed and Meredith in the same First XV, with Wallabies fullback Tom Wright still sidelined with an injury. Meredith will wear the No. 15 jersey against the Force on Friday, joining Kye Oates and Shane Wilcox in the outside backs.

Edmed will link up with Klayton Thorn in the halves, while Jarrah McLeod and Hudson Creighton form a new Brumbies midfield. John Eales Medallist and long-time Brumbies centre Len Ikitau won’t suit up for the Brumbies in 2026, currently on sabbatical with Exeter Chiefs in England.

Lington Leli joins Chris Mickelson and Rhys van Nek in the front row, while Lachlan Shaw and Harvey Cordukes round out the tight five as the two locks. Former Australia U20 captain Toby Macpherson has been named on the bench following a stint in Japan.

Tuaina Tualima will start at blindside flanker, forming a loose forwards combination with openside Rory Scott and No. 8 Charlie Cale. Blake Schoupp and Cadeyrn Neville are among the forwards named on the extended bench.

This pre-season fixture at Scotch College’s Playing Fields in Perth will get underway at 7:35 pm AEDT on Friday. Fans can watch all the action on the Western Force Facebook page, who are live streaming the match

Brumbies team to take on Force in pre-season trial

loosehead prop – Lington Ieli
hooker – Chris Mickelson
tighthead prop – Rhys van Nek
left lock – Lachlan Shaw
right lock – Harvey Cordukes
left flanker – Tuaina Tualima
right flanker – Rory Scott
number eight – Charlie Cale
scrumhalf – Klayton Thorn
flyhalf – Tane Edmed
left wing – Kye Oates
inside centre – Jarrah McLeod
outside centre – Hudson Creighton
right wing – Shane Wilcox
fullback – Declan Meredith

Replacements

Liam Bowron
Blake Schoupp
Tevita Alatini
Cadeyrn Neville
Eli Langi
Dan Nelson
Andy Muirhead
Kadin Pritchard
Moses Sorovi
Austin Anderson
Toby Macpherson
Judah Saumaisue
Darcy Breen