Declan Meredith Embraces Competition as Brumbies Build Toward 2026 with Edmed Signing

He comes into the 2026 campaign off the back of a formative year and a valuable overseas tour to Hong Kong, where he captained a developing side.

A major talking point of the off-season has been the signing of Edmed. He arrived in Canberra after several seasons with the NSW Waratahs, where he established himself and earned recognition, including a Wallabies selection.

Meredith has steadily built his reputation within the Brumbies system over the past few seasons, learning under established Wallabies players such as Noah Lolesio and expanding his skill set across fly half and fullback. He earned his promotion to the senior Brumbies squad in 2023 after gaining a development contract in 2019.

The 26-year-old sees Edmed’s arrival as a boost for both the squad and his own development.

“I think it’s a great signing,” he said. “He’s the Wallabies 10, and I thought he was the best Tahs 10 last year and has been the last couple years over there.

"He’s a great signing for the Brumbies organisation, and for me as well to work closely with him. We’re going to help each other go leaps and bounds,” Meredith added.

“We feed off each other and learn from each other. There are things in my game that he knows, and it’s great to bounce off him,” Meredith said. “I’m learning a lot from him.”

Despite the added competition for the No.10 jersey, Meredith was quick to dismiss any notion of resentment.

“Definitely not,” he said. “There’s a good mutual respect there. For me, it’s a massive opportunity to learn. Anything he passes on is good for me.”

The tour in Hong Kong provided younger players with exposure to high-pressure match situations and international conditions, while also giving Meredith team responsibilities.

Reflecting on captaining the Brumbies side in Hong Kong, Meredith admitted it came as a surprise, but one he took as a sign of progress.

“It was a shock at first, but it was a really humbling experience,” he said. “To captain the Brumbies overseas was a really cool honour. It shows I’m heading in the right direction, and I just want to keep chipping away.”

“That was a really good experience for all of us boys,” he said, “it gives younger boys a chance to have a crack in a game situation.” He added that it was an awesome opportunity to experience rugby outside Australia and that the team thoroughly enjoyed the competition.

With New Zealand teams once again looming large on the draw, Meredith acknowledged the challenge ahead but stressed the importance of internal focus as the season approaches.

“Now it’s about fixing what we need to fix,” said Meredith.

“It’s always going to be tough no matter what draw you get, especially against the NZ sides,” he said. “All we can do is focus on our preparation and be ready when those games come.”

For now, attention is firmly on the Brumbies’ upcoming trial matches, which will provide the first real glimpse of new combinations, game shapes and how recent signings integrate into the squad.

“Pre-season feels like it goes forever, so the quicker we get into trials, the better,” he said. Training standards have been top-tier according to Meredith, and the trials will show where they’re at and how our new game plan and combinations are coming together.”

On a personal level, Meredith’s goals for 2026 are clear and grounded in consistency.

“For me, it’s about being in the 23 as much as possible and hopefully locking down a starting spot, whether that’s at 10 or fullback,” he said. “I just want to keep progressing my game each week.”

With strong depth across the squad, the arrival of Edmed, and a core group ready to build on last season’s success of making it to the semi-finals, Meredith believes the Brumbies are well-placed heading into 2026.

Now, with trial matches imminent and round one fast approaching, the focus is simple: preparation, competition, and pushing standards higher as the Brumbies chase another strong Super Rugby campaign.