A New Chapter for Ryan Lonergan
Ryan Lonergan has spent much of his career waiting for the right moment to shine on the international stage. Now, at 28, he believes he is finally on the cusp of becoming a key player for the Wallabies.
Lonergan is set to play his milestone 100th Super Rugby Pacific match for the ACT Brumbies on Friday. This achievement comes after an impressive season where he has orchestrated tries, scored his own, and delivered numerous passes. His performance this season has only strengthened his case for a return to the national team, following his debut last year.
The opportunity to secure a spot in the Wallabies squad has never been more promising. Lonergan has previously been overlooked for the No.9 jersey, with Jake Gordon, Tate McDermott, and Nic White taking the position. However, with McDermott injured, White retiring, and Gordon entering his 30s, the path is now open for Lonergan to claim the starting role.
“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 said during a recent press conference.
“I just need to keep working on the skills required at Test rugby level. I also need to 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 Importance of Family and Roots
Lonergan, who turned 28 on Monday, credits part of his success to the time he spends on his childhood farm in Williamsdale, about a 30-minute drive south of Canberra. He enjoys spending time with his family and regularly helps out with tasks 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,” he 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.”
Looking Ahead to the Future
With the Brumbies looking to bounce back after losing three of their past four games, Lonergan is focused on the upcoming clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night.
“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.”
Key Points for the Brumbies
- The Brumbies are aiming to improve their performance after a challenging run of games.
- Lonergan is emphasizing the importance of raising training standards.
- As a leader, he feels responsible for setting the tone for the team.
- The upcoming match against the Highlanders is crucial for regaining momentum.
Lonergan’s journey from the sidelines to the spotlight is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. With the right opportunities and continued strong performances, he could soon find himself at the heart of the Wallabies’ plans for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
