The Brumbies are set to start their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign without key player Allan Alaalatoa, who is sidelined due to a persistent back injury. The Wallabies front-rower and team captain has been grappling with this condition for the last six months, a significant setback for the Canberra squad as they prepare to face the Western Force in Perth on February 14.
After extensive consultations, the decision for Alaalatoa to miss the early games was made by both the Brumbies' medical team and Rugby Australia's health specialists, underscoring the severity of his back issues. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham expressed his disappointment but also saw a silver lining, stating,
"It’s disappointing Allan won’t be available for the start of the season, but it also provides an opportunity for the other props in our program to step up and perform for the Brumbies."
He praised Alaalatoa's professionalism and continued contribution to the team's morale and strategy, despite his physical absence.
Alaalatoa himself is feeling the weight of his injury, not only physically but also mentally, as the path to recovery remains uncertain.
"I want to come back into employment 100% and try to contribute the best way I can,"
Alaalatoa shared with reporters. He explained the complexity of his situation, noting that years of playing at tighthead prop have taken a toll, and the exact cause of the pain has been difficult to pinpoint.
The injury also affected his performance during the 2025 international season, limiting him to just one start in the Autumn Nations Series. Reflecting on this, Alaalatoa added, "That was probably most of the frustrating part towards the back end of last year. I felt like I probably wasn’t as effective as I could have been due to the body so I just want to make sure that I’m taking the time to get right so I can contribute the best way."
As the Brumbies prepare for their season opener, the team and their fans will be eagerly watching Alaalatoa's recovery progress, hoping for his swift and strong return to the field. Meanwhile, the opportunity is ripe for emerging players to make their mark in his absence.
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The Brumbies are set to start their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign without key player Allan Alaalatoa, who is sidelined due to a persistent back injury. The Wallabies front-rower and team captain has been grappling with this condition for the last six months, a significant setback for the Canberra squad as they prepare to face the Western Force in Perth on February 14.
After extensive consultations, the decision for Alaalatoa to miss the early games was made by both the Brumbies' medical team and Rugby Australia's health specialists, underscoring the severity of his back issues. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham expressed his disappointment but also saw a silver lining, stating,
"It’s disappointing Allan won’t be available for the start of the season, but it also provides an opportunity for the other props in our program to step up and perform for the Brumbies."
He praised Alaalatoa's professionalism and continued contribution to the team's morale and strategy, despite his physical absence.Alaalatoa himself is feeling the weight of his injury, not only physically but also mentally, as the path to recovery remains uncertain.
"I want to come back into employment 100% and try to contribute the best way I can,"
Alaalatoa shared with reporters. He explained the complexity of his situation, noting that years of playing at tighthead prop have taken a toll, and the exact cause of the pain has been difficult to pinpoint.The injury also affected his performance during the 2025 international season, limiting him to just one start in the Autumn Nations Series. Reflecting on this, Alaalatoa added, "That was probably most of the frustrating part towards the back end of last year. I felt like I probably wasn’t as effective as I could have been due to the body so I just want to make sure that I’m taking the time to get right so I can contribute the best way."
As the Brumbies prepare for their season opener, the team and their fans will be eagerly watching Alaalatoa's recovery progress, hoping for his swift and strong return to the field. Meanwhile, the opportunity is ripe for emerging players to make their mark in his absence.