The ACT Brumbies will begin their Super Rugby Pacific campaign without an influential figure.
Captain Allan Alaalatoa has been ruled out of the opening rounds as he continues to battle a lingering back injury.
The experienced Wallabies tighthead has been managing the issue for the past six months and will miss the season opener against the Western Force in Perth on 14 February.
After further consultation with Brumbies and Rugby Australia medical staff, Alaalatoa’s rehabilitation has been extended, with no firm return date set.
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Alaalatoa admitted the uncertainty around the injury has been challenging, with specialists still unable to pinpoint a single cause.
“It’s something that I probably carried throughout the back end of last year and had to get some professional advice over the break and got a couple of scans,” he said.
“The advice was just to take some time and make sure that it heals appropriately because I want to come back into employment 100% and try to contribute the best way I can.”
Reflecting on a frustrating 2025 international season, the Brumbies captain added: “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.”
2026 Super Rugby Pacific squads
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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