A Dream Realized for Chris Mickelson
Chris Mickelson had a compelling reason to take a break from his work on Sunday. The Canberra-based rugby player lived out a childhood dream on Saturday night when he made his debut for the ACT Brumbies. His performance was nothing short of impressive, as he scored a crucial try against the Western Force and later shared a heartfelt post-game interview with his mother, Vikki.
Mickelson’s journey into professional rugby has been marked by dedication and hard work. “I hung up the tools this pre-season when I came in fulltime. But I still do a cash job here and there – I’ve even got one tomorrow,” Mickelson told reporters after the 32-15 victory. However, he added, “But I think I’m going to can that.”
A Family Legacy in Rugby
Mickelson is deeply connected to Canberra rugby. His mother, Vikki Fischer, played for the Wallaroos and has been a trailblazer for women’s rugby in the nation’s capital. This family legacy has clearly influenced Chris’s passion for the game.
The 23-year-old Mickelson won the 2025 MacDougall Medal as the best player in the ACT’s John I Dent Cup after leading the Uni-Norths Owls to their first premiership since mergers in 1998 and 2001. Primarily a hooker, he eventually found his place in the Brumbies backrow against the Force.
During the match, Mickelson celebrated his try with the club’s owl hand signal, looking toward his friends and family in the crowd. His mother, Vikki, expressed her pride and emotions during an interview with Stan Sport’s Michael Hooper.
“It was incredible tonight,” an emotional Vikki told Stan Sport’s Michael Hooper. “Chris, I’m so proud. The hard work that has gone into your career. From age three – he used to come to training with me with his bigger brother, and it’s incredible. This is real grassroots from three-years-old, right through to Brumbies.”
She added, “I am so proud. I won’t cry on camera, I won’t cry on camera.” Vikki agreed that Chris had delivered the ideal early Mother’s Day gift.
“That’s absolutely right, but an incredible village from my entire family, the rugby club, the Uni-Norths Owls. This is true rugby grassroots, all the way to the top and I’m so proud of you,” she said.
A Key Performance for the Brumbies
Mickelson helped the Brumbies snap a three-game losing streak at GIO Stadium and put their Super Rugby finals plans back on track. “I grew up watching from those stands with mum and dad, smashing hot chips in the cold weather,” Mickelson said. “I just love my footy. And I suppose if he (younger self) knew that I was out there today, it would be a super special feeling.”
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham praised his young charge. “We know he’s a very powerful ball carrier, a very good rugby player. He actually scored two tries in training on Thursday as well,” Larkham said. “It’s great to see the local guys come through and stand out on this stage. He’s a bit of a fan favourite within the group. He trains exceptionally well, puts everything on the line for the boys and tries to prep everyone else during the week.”
Larkham added, “He was thrown into the deep end – he has trained at seven (openside flanker) in the opposition but we had a bit of a walk through on Monday and then trained on Tuesday and he was all over the place in terms of his role. But he got there by the end of the week. What we know is he’s a great player so you just put him in a bit of space and he’s very good at getting over the line.”
Looking Ahead
The fifth-placed Brumbies have the bye this weekend before finishing the regular season with games against the NSW Waratahs and Moana Pasifika. With players like Mickelson stepping up, the team is well-positioned to make a strong push for the Super Rugby finals.
