Lachlan Lonergan

Lachie Lonergan is a tough, mobile and fleet of foot hooker who has lived up to the promise shown in his junior rugby.

A two-time Australian Schools representative (2016-17) out of Canberra’s Trinity Christian College, Lonergan looked set to step straight into the professional ranks before shoulder surgery at the end of 2017 sidelined him for seven months. In 2019, Lonergan signed a two-year deal to replace the retired Josh Mann-Rea, and join elder brother Ryan, at the Brumbies. “Lachie has been in the pathway system for a number of years now and has earned a full-time contract off some excellent performances for the Australian U20 side where he was one of their best,” Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said at the time.

It was a tough initiation to the senior ranks for Lonergan given that the incumbent Wallaby hooker Folau Fainga’a and the highly rated Connal McInerney were also in the squad. In 2020, Lonergan made his Super Rugby debut in the 26-14 win over the Chiefs in Waikato and the following year he played his first Test, against France in Brisbane.

Lonergan finished his second season of international rugby in great style when he scored the match-winning try in the Wallabies’ thrilling comeback win against Wales.

Highlights

2016 Represented Australian Schools against Samoan Schools (W 50-10) and New Zealand Schools (W 32-22)

2017 Represented Australian Schools against Fijian Schools (W 39-17) and New Zealand Schools (W 34-18)

2019 Represented Australia at the 12th annual World Rugby U20s Championship in Argentina

2021 Lonergan won his first Test cap off the bench when he replaced Brandon Paenga-Amosa in the 60th minute of the first Test, 23-21 win over France at Suncorp. He picked up a further three caps over the course of the year including one as a replacement right wing, who then moved to openside flanker, against Argentina on the Gold Coast.

2022 He played four Tests including his first in the run-on XV, the 17-48 second Test loss to Argentina in San Juan.