Ryan Lonergan signed a new two-year deal with the ACT Brumbies on Tuesday, which will see him bring up a decade at the Super Rugby club.
Such a fixture is Lonergan, who made his debut in 2017 against the Chiefs, he told reporters he “didn’t really know” how long he’d been at the club.
“I’m super excited to sign on for another two years. This is my hometown and I grew up loving this club,” Lonergan said.
“It’s been a privilege to play for the Brumbies for so many years and I’m proud to be able to stick around for another couple.
Ryan Lonergan. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
“I was happy to know the Brumbies were keen to keep me on and it helps having my brother (Lachlan) sign on too. We’re pretty much best mates and we still live together. We’ll keep it rolling for as long as we can!”
That starts on Saturday when he shapes up against long-term clubmate Nic White at the Force. Lonergan took the chance to go the early chirp, while praising the impact the Wallabies stalwart had on his career.
“I learned quite a lot actually because I spent a few years with Whitey when he was here at the Brums and I was still quite young and didn’t really understand all the tactics and those parts of the game,” said Lonergan.
“I subconsciously probably picked up a lot from him. He’s a real nerd when it comes to the game. He just can’t get enough of it.
“So although it gets on some boys’ nerves, you’ve got to respect it and he’s got a real rugby brain on him. I know the boys over there in the West are loving what he’s bringing to the table as well.”
While Lonergan has become a senior leader at the Brumbies, the missing piece of his CV is Test cap – which he was reminded of a couple of times during his media call on Tuesday.
He’s played for Australia at U18 and U20 level and led Australia A, but the drive to play at the highest level remains for the 27-year-old.
“I think it’s everyone’s goal playing for an Australian rugby team to don the gold jersey. I’ll just keep chipping away and we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson hailed Lonergan’s impact on the club.
“It’s been amazing to see Ryan’s growth at the Brumbies over the last few years as a person and a player,” Thomson said.
“His all-round game is outstanding, not only his passing off both hands and his kicking out of hand and off the tee, but also the leadership he brings to the team in the pivotal position of scrum half.
“I said something similar when his brother re-signed, but it’s so rewarding for us at the club to see people born and raised in the area come through our pathway system and produce the goods on the pitch in the Brumbies colours. We’re excited to see Ryan continue to do so over the coming years.”
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