Rugby Union

Rugby focus for Lonergan as Brumbies, Reds do battle

May 1, 2026

Lachlan Lonergan admits he would be "stoked" to return to the Wallabies set-up, but he first wants to get back to enjoying the game he once took for granted.

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The ACT Brumbies take on the Queensland Reds in a crunch Super Rugby Pacific clash, with both teams desperate to cement themselves inside the top six.

Canberra will be boosted by the return of eight-cap Wallaby Lonergan, who makes his first start of the season after injuring his ACL against the British and Irish Lions last year.

But rather than wanting to make the national set-up for the first time since 2022, he is simply looking to enjoy the occasion at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

"I just took it (rugby) for granted ... having a couple of injuries puts it in perspective," Lonergan told reporters on Friday.

"I'm just focusing on trying to get some good footy in for the Brumbies. If that opportunity (Wallabies) arises, I'd be absolutely stoked with it.

"But I'm just so pumped to be playing out of rehab and just back among the team."

The Brumbies come into the clash after being thumped 45-12 by the Hurricanes last Saturday.

It continued their poor run of form, having now lost five of their past seven games, slipping to fifth on the ladder and with the seventh-placed Highlanders hot on their heels.

Brumbies rookie Kadin Pritchard says the team is in a reset mindset after the past couple of weeks, and he also has a very personal reason for wanting to beat Queensland.

Kadin will take on his 19-year-old brother Treyvon, who will be looking to beat him for a second time this campaign after the Brumbies went down to the Reds 34-31 on March 7.

"Last week I caught up with him in Christchurch, and we were actually just reflecting on this a little bit," Kadin said.

"From little kids in the backyard just mucking around with a little footy to now out here, it's a pretty surreal moment for both of us, and we're still pinching ourselves."

Queensland (23 points) come into the clash just three points ahead of the Highlanders (20) after suffering a 36-33 golden-point loss to the Blues last round.

Reds captain Fraser McReight insists they have to improve for Saturday night after coach Les Kiss named an unchanged side.

"We had some really good lessons against the Blues," McReight said.

"Both starts to the halves weren't great. We can be a lot better and come out ready to go."