Boom Brumbies rookie, Eli Langi headlines the ACT Brumbies side to take on the Queensland Reds in the inaugural Round of Super Rugby Next Gen on Sunday 8 February at Brumbies HQ, 2.15pm kick-off.
Langi, who captained the U19s team last year, was this year elevated to the Brumbies main squad for 2026. the dynamic backrower injects valuable experience into the Next Gen team, after featuring in the Brumbies first Super Rugby Pacific trial against the Western Force.
Head of Elite Pathways and Player Development, Dan Hawke has named a side brimming with talent, many of whom represented Australia at the 2025 under-20s Championship and the Brumbies under-19s team that surged to last year's Grand Final.
“Eli is an asset to this team. He’s strong over the ball and carries with real intent into contact and is someone who always puts his best foot forward,” said Hawke on the young forward.
“We’re grateful for his inclusion for our first game and will look to use his skillset greatly.”
Also featuring for the team is Chace Oates, who shone for the U19s at fly-half. Brother of Brumbies player, Kye Oates, Chace returns to steer the ship alongside halves partner Sam Watson.
“Chace played phenomenally last season, not just in the U19s team, but also for Royals for most of the season. He’s developed well in the fly-half role and we want to continue to support that growth this year,” noted Hawke of the young playmaker.
Upfront, the team features a hardened front-row in Nate Hepi, Ewald Kruger, and Lochlan Smith — the same trio who anchored the scrum last year.
Billy Hansen and Jack Gordon join the trio to complete a powerful tight five, with Langi, Bailey Bouquiaux, and Cooper Eagle, who will captain the side, rounding out a mobile forward pack.
Outside the halves pairing of Watson and Oates, Dylan Bretton lines up at inside centre with Riley Whitfeld his partner at outside centre.
Utility back,Jacob Johnson starts on the left wing with Koko Salim supporting on the right, and Harvey McLean rounding out the side at full-back.
Date: Sunday 8 February Time: 2.15pm AEDT (2.15pm kick-off)
Location: Brumbies HQ, University of Canberra
Starting XV:
- Nate Hepi
- Ewald Kruger
- Lochlan Smith
- Billy Hansen
- Jack Gordon
- Eli Langi
- Bailey Bouquiaux
- Cooper Eagle (C)
- Sam Watson
- Chace Oates
- Jacob Johnson
- Dylan Bretton
- Riley Whitfeld
- Koko Salim
- Harvey McLean
Finishers: 16. Finn Baxter 17. Lipina Ata 18. Keegan Daly 19. Oliver Aylmer 20. Jarvis Orr 21. Chayse Geros 22. Will Trostel 23. Blake Miller
