Why Wallabies fly-half Tane Edmed joined the Brumbies

11-Test Wallabies fly-half Tane Edmed has highlighted the influence of coach Stephen ‘Bernie’ Larkham and a hunger for development as the reasons behind his move to the ACT Brumbies, signing a two-year deal with the powerhouse club.

Edmed featured in more than 50 matches for the NSW Waratahs, which led to the playmaker’s Wallabies debut during the team’s 2024 Spring Tour. The fly-half debuted off the bench against Ireland in Dublin before making another 10 international appearances last season.

While Edmed brought Wallabies experience into the Waratahs fold, coach Dan McKellar usually preferred Lawson Creighton and Jack Bowen in the run-on side last season. It was officially confirmed after last year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign that Edmed was on the move down south.

With Noah Lolesio leaving Australia’s capital for an opportunity in Japan, Edmed joins a Brumbies side that’s searching for a regular first-choice No. 10. Declan Meredith is another contender, having captained the Brums away to Hong Kong China during the off-season.

Larkham is another key driver behind Edmed’s decision to sign with the Brumbies, with the coach revered as one of the all-time great fly-halves in rugby’s history. The 51-year-old played more than 100 Tests for the Wallabies, winning the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

“Just development. It’s obviously been the best Australian team the last few years and having Bernie as coach is obviously a big reason for that. He’s probably Australia’s best-ever fly-half,” Edmed told reporters.

“As a fly-half, to learn off him is obviously a massive thing, and to be in an environment where there’s been a fair bit of success… is something that’s definitely part of the reason why I came.”

Edmed started 33 per cent of the Wallabies’ Tests last season in the No. 10 jersey, including an appearance in the First XV against the All Blacks in Perth. The 25-year-old was also named in the run-on side against Argentina, Japan, England and France.

But it doesn’t seem that any player has truly locked down that starting spot yet, with multiple Wallabies getting a run at fly-half last season. Lolesio faced the Flying Fijians in Newcastle before Tom Lynagh started all three matches against the British & Irish Lions.

Western Force pivot Ben Donaldson featured off the bench in some matches, while Wallabies veteran James O’Connor was recalled after helping the Crusaders win Super Rugby Pacific. Code-hopper Carter Gordon also got an opportunity to start against Italy in Udine.

With Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 less than two years away, all of those players will be intent on making their mark in Super Rugby Pacific this season. The World Cup will be held in Australia, making it a marquee event for any Wallaby.

“Definitely signing for two years leading into a home World Cup is definitely where we all want to be. There’s no doubt about that,” Edmed explained.

“I think it’s nice for me to kind of build over next two years at the Brumbies to try and be there. I don’t think it’s the main reason for my decision but it definitely is a big part.”

Edmed was a guest on popular podcast Kick Ons and Kick Offs last year, opening up on the influence of All Blacks great Dan Carter. Carter helped transform Edmed’s approach to training, now focusing on the quality of reps, not just quantity.

The Wallaby remains confident in his ability to contribute positively to the Brumbies’ title push in 2026. Edmed has also cited a key area to work on, looking to rebuild a skill “that’s maybe fallen by the wayside” as of late.

“Hopefully high-level core skill: kick, pass, run, tackle. I think that’s my job as a fly-half is to get those things nailed and obviously the gameplan and the game management is obviously a big part of that as well,” he added.

“Then I’d also like to get my running game back up to where I think I can get it. It’s something that’s maybe fallen by the wayside the last couple of years so it’s something I want to try and get back into my game.”