Rugby Union

Injury-hit Brumbies to 'crack on' against Force

Feb 13, 2026

Despite an exodus of Wallabies stars in the off-season, veteran prop James Slipper is putting on a brave face as the ACT Brumbies launch their Super Rugby campaign.

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Slipper will be part of a less glitzy Brumbies team when they take on the Western Force in their season opener on Saturday.

Wallabies Len Ikitau, Noah Lolesio and Tom Hooper all departed in the offseason depriving the team of some star-studded talent that made the semi-finals last year.

And to make matters worse, key players Tom Wright (knee) and captain Allan Alaalatoa (back) are out after sustaining injuries.

But still, Slipper is not allowing the loss of experience and boodles of talent to faze him.

"One thing the Brumbies are pretty good at historically is bringing in new players through their own system and turning them into really good players," he told AAP.

"I don't see that being any different this year, and we got some really great young players coming through."

One player from the academy who has been thrust into Saturday's starting lineup is 21-year-old Kadin Pritchard, who will attempt to fill the boots of Ikitau.

Andy Muirhead will replace Wright at fullback while Wallaby recruit Tane Edmed is named on the bench.

"We've obviously lost a lot of players in the offseason, so we aren't the favourites this year which is fine by us. We're just gonna go about our business and crack on," Slipper said.

"But, do we have what it takes? I think so. The Brumbies are used to being the underdogs."

The Force clash will inch the 36-year-old (198 games) closer to becoming the most capped Super Rugby player, which is held by Wyatt Crockett with 202 matches.

"It's probably something I didn't strive for as I set out on my rugby career, but it's one of those things I'll probably reflect on and look fondly upon," Slipper said.

The Canberrans will come up against a star-studded Force as recruits Franco Molina, Nathan Hastie and George Bridge make their debuts, while ex-Waratahs prop Harry Johnson-Holmes returns after nearly two years out with knee and ankle injuries.

Former Wallaby Kurtley Beale has been named on the bench, with young gun Mac Grealy starting at fullback.

The Force are looking to make the finals for the first time in a full Super Rugby competition this season after their hopes were dashed by five straight defeats last year.