While Canberra school kids returned to class after summer break this week, ACT Brumbies homegrown talents Liam Bowron and Rory Scott headed back to their old stomping ground at Marist College, gearing up for the Brumbies’ final trial against the NSW Waratahs at 1.30PM on Thursday, 5 February.
“If a teacher told me I would be able to knock off class at 1 o'clock and then just go watch Brumbies run around, I'd be pretty stoked for the entire day, so hopefully we can put a good performance in for our fans.”
With the Waratahs match just around the corner, Bowron and Scott’s return to Marist gave them a chance to reflect on where it all began — and look ahead to an important final hit-out before the season proper.
“Hopefully the boys that get to do the starting can do a really good job and then the boys that come on towards the end of the game can finish it off for us and we can keep that momentum rolling into round one,” Bowron said.
The match will feature nine additions to last week’s trial squad, with James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Luke Reimer, and Ollie Sapsford all set to play their first game of the year.
Thursday’s trial also reignites the old rivalry with the Waratahs, who the Brumbies won’t meet again until Round Seven on 27 March 2026 at GIO Stadium.
“I think a lot of the boys are keen to get a hit out, especially against (former Brumby) Jack Debreczeni at 10,” laughed Bowron. “I think a few of the boys are pretty excited to verse him so it should be good.”
For Bowron, the visit back to Marist was a full-circle moment. The accurate hooker is a product of Canberra rugby’s pathways, progressing through school and club rugby with Canberra Royals before earning his opportunity in the Brumbies system — a journey that reflects the strength of the local talent pipeline.
“It's really exciting (to be back at Marist). I've got a lot of fond memories here all the way from year four, starting out playing at 9 o'clock in the morning and then running out in first 15 to a tunnel halfway down the field,” Bowron said.
“Myself, Rory, even the Lonergan brothers, all grew up in the Canberra academy system right from a young age, and there's plenty of talent coming through in the capital so it's really exciting for the future.”
The Brumbies’ trial match will be free and open to the public and will also be live streamed on Stan Sport.
“If a teacher told me I would be able to knock off class at 1 o'clock and then just go watch Brumbies run around, I'd be pretty stoked for the entire day, so hopefully we can put a good performance in for our fans,” Bowron said.
