A New Chapter for Ryan Lonergan
Ryan Lonergan has spent much of his career waiting in the wings for a Wallabies opportunity, and now believes he has a chance to become a mainstay in the national set-up. The 28-year-old is expected to dazzle for the ACT Brumbies in his milestone 100th Super Rugby Pacific match on Friday, having orchestrated tries, scored his own, and registered a huge number of passes this season.
Lonergan’s Super campaign has only strengthened his case for another Wallabies call-up after making his international debut last year. This performance comes as he looks to usurp the Wallabies No.9 jersey ahead of next year’s home Rugby World Cup, having been overlooked previously for Jake Gordon, Tate McDermott, and Nic White, despite getting a first call-up in 2021.
With McDermott nursing a hamstring injury, White retiring, and Gordon inching further into his 30s, the door has opened for Lonergan to finally take the starting spot, having previously come off the bench.
“I think I have a chance (of making the Wallabies). I was in there last year, and I feel like I’ve been playing pretty well. We’ll see what happens,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“I just need to keep working on the (skills) required at Test rugby level. I also need to just stay composed in the big moments. That’s one of the big things for me. If I win a title, it probably goes a long way to (helping) my case.”
The Influence of Home
Lonergan, who marked his 28th birthday on Monday, said his glittering start to the season was partly thanks to the time he spends on his childhood farm at Williamsdale, about a 30-minute drive south of Canberra.
He loves spending time with his family, and also goes out to the paddocks at least twice a week, helping with jobs such as fencing.
“It’s just home for me, really. It’s a great way for me to be able to disconnect from not only rugby, but just everything else in the world,” Lonergan said.
“We might have a whole day of meetings and frustrations, and it seems to be the most important thing in the world. Then you come out here, and it puts things in a bit of perspective.”
Focus on the Upcoming Match
Lonergan is turning his attention to the Brumbies’ clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night, as the side look to bounce back after losing three of their past four games.
“We have to lift our training standards. That was the main theme from it (the bye last round),” he said.
“It’s on us as leaders to just drive those standards throughout, because we did see it fade.”
A Growing Presence in the Team
Lonergan’s journey from the sidelines to the spotlight has been a testament to his dedication and resilience. His recent performances have not gone unnoticed, and there is a growing belief that he could soon secure a regular spot in the Wallabies squad.
His ability to read the game, make crucial decisions under pressure, and contribute both offensively and defensively has made him a valuable asset for the Brumbies. As the team prepares for the upcoming matches, Lonergan’s leadership and experience will be vital in guiding the younger players and maintaining high standards.
The road to the Rugby World Cup is still long, but with each passing game, Lonergan is proving that he is ready to step up and take on the challenge. His determination, combined with the support of his teammates and the encouragement from fans, could be the key to unlocking his potential on the international stage.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Lonergan to see if he can translate his club success into a consistent presence in the Wallabies lineup. With the right mindset and continued improvement, the future looks bright for the 28-year-old scrum-half.
