Star brothers Lachlan and Ryan Lonergan have committed long term to the Brumbies and Rugby Australia, re-signing until the end of the 2025 season.
The duo are the first players of national interest re-signed through to 2025, when Australia will welcome the British and Irish Lions for the first time since 2013.
Both have come through the Australian Rugby pathways and were representatives of the Junior Wallabies, with Ryan having captained the side in 2018, while Lachlan started in the 2019 side that fell short in the U20 World Championship Final against France in Argentina.
The pair grew up just across the border from Canberra, in Williamsdale and graduated through the Brumbies pathways program, with Ryan making his Super Rugby debut as a teenager in 2017 against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Lachlan’s debut would come at the same ground three years later, the dynamic hooker coming on to help seal a drought-breaking win on New Zealand soil victory over the Chiefs.
Both would go on to be selected in Dave Rennie’s Wallabies squad in 2021, with Lachlan, 22, making his Test debut in the victorious France Series, earning four caps in his first international season.
Ryan is yet to debut for his country, but both earned a call-up in the Wallabies camp squad earlier this month.
Lachlan said the Brumbies are the best place for him to continue improving his rugby.
“I’m grateful to have this opportunity to stay at the Brumbies and in Australian rugby,” said Lachlan.
“Achieving some of my goals, like playing for the Wallabies in the first few years of my career has been great but I know I’ve got more work to do to continue to earn opportunities and I think the Brumbies and Australian rugby is the best place for me to do that.
“Playing with Ryan and a bunch of boys I’ve come through the ranks with at Brumbies is awesome.”
Ryan said it’s a dream come true to remain with the club he grew up supporting.
“I’m really pleased to have my future sorted and to know I’ll be playing my rugby here in Australia and at the Brumbies.”
“Playing for the team I supported growing up and coming into work every day with Noss (Lachlan) and a great bunch of boys is a dream come true and something I’m very grateful for.
“I’m excited about the direction of the club and it’s great so now that I can just focus on my rugby and hopefully push for more opportunities at the Brumbies and with the Wallabies.”
Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar said it’s great to see a couple of local boys stick with the club.
“It’s fantastic to have Lonners and Noss commit their future to the Brumbies, and for the club, retaining two top-quality players and men for the future is very important.
“The whole ACT rugby community will be delighted to see the boys stay at the Brumbies. They’ve come through the ranks, earned their opportunities and will be important players for the Brumbies for many years to come.”
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