Brumbies confirm captain for Super Rugby Women's season

Palu Sekona, 29, follows in a long line of Brumbies captain greats including Michelle Milward and Michaela Leonard. The Wallaroos and Brumbies back-rower has established herself as one of the premier players and leaders in world rugby, picking up Super Rugby Women's player of the year honours in 2024 and captaining the Wallaroos since 2025.

"I'm honoured to once again lead the Brumbies in 2026,” Palu Sekona said. "It's not lost on me what a huge honour it is to lead this club. We are building a really special group here in Canberra and when you look at the talent we've got, there's no ceiling for the potential of this team.”

Head Coach James Erwin named his leadership group this week, heading up a solid leadership group full of established stars and emerging leaders. Palu Sekona will don the captains arm band, but will be ably supported by her lieutenants in the leadership group.

Wallaroos Tania Naden, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Ella Ryan, and experienced Brumbies Ash Bishop and Merania Paraone. The leadership group also includes emerging leaders Bonnie Brewer, Manu’a Moleka, and Rayna Ellis.

“We know we are at our best when Siokapesi is leading from the front” Erwin said. “Rugby in Australia, is blessed to have someone of her calibre and character continuing to be a beacon for everything that’s great about our game. She exemplifies everything we talk about as being a Brumby, and there’s not a player in our building with more pride to wear a ‘Brumby on their chest’ ”

“The leadership group we have around her forms the nucleus of our squad and obviously sets us up for success in 2026 and beyond.”