Waratahs confirm ‘homecoming’ signing of Wallaby Luke Reimer

Long-time ACT Brumbies backrower Luke Reimer is the latest Wallaby to sign on with the NSW Waratahs, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal, which begins after the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Reimer will spend his seventh Super Rugby season in the nation’s capital before making the move north to the Brumbies’ fierce rivals. Dan McKellar’s Waratahs have added some key players with international experience, with Reimer bolstering the roster even further next year.

The one-Test Wallaby debuted in the Test arena against two-time defending Rugby World Cup winners the Springboks in 2024, coming off the bench at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, before representing Australia A later that year and again in 2025.

Reimer joined the Brumbies pathway program in 2019 after impressing for the Warringah Rats in Sydney’s Shute Shield. The loose forward made his first appearance for the club in the 2021 Super Rugby AU semi-final against the Western Force, which the Brumbies won 21-9.

After playing more than 50 matches in Brumbies colours over the years, Reimer will spend one more season in the Australian Capital Territory before returning to his home state. Reimer was raised in Killara, NSW, and played club rugby in Lindfield and was educated at Barker College in Hornsby.

“I’d like to firstly thank everyone involved with my time in Canberra, from all the staff at the Brumbies, to all the fans that have continually supported both myself and the team,” Reimer said in a statement.

“I will forever be grateful for my time in this great city and will always treasure being part of the Brumbies Family. I remain fully committed and focused to giving my best for the team in 2026 and will leave no stone unturned in my preparation and performance.

“As I move into this new chapter at the Waratahs, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to reconnect and work with the coach who gave me my first shot at my dream. I am excited for this homecoming to Sydney and keen to play my part in strengthening Australian rugby.”

Reimer made an immediate impact in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, scoring two tries in a masterful performance away to the Fijian Drua. The flanker started the next two matches against the Force and Chiefs before shifting to the bench in round four.

The 25-year-old started in 50 per cent of his appearances last season, finishing the campaign with five tries. Reimer emerged as an invaluable impact player off the pine, playing an important role in the quarter-final win over the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium.

“It’s fantastic for us to sign another proven backrower in Luke to provide competition in that area,” McKellar explained.

“Having worked with Luke before, I know the qualities that he will bring to us. He’s a talented footballer who has an instinct of when to capitalise on crucial moments, particularly at the breakdown.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming him back to New South Wales and the Waratahs ahead of the 2027 season.”