Opinion
Frustrating end but UK tour sparks renewed optimism in Australia
Australia may be annoyed after a narrow defeat in Ireland, but their displays bolster hope for the 2025 Lions series.
Brett McKay
04 Dec 2024, 6:24
Contributors
Brett McKay
@BMcSport
Brett McKay is an Australian sportswriter, broadcaster, commentator, and is one half of The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast. Brett covered rugby for Australian sports website The Roar for more than 15 years, has sat on Test Match and Super Rugby sidelines as a commentator for ABC Sport for more than a decade, and is a regular radio pundit for stations in Australia and New Zealand.
Interview
McKellar preaches patience as Rebel recruits bolster Waratahs hopes
The addition of six Wallabies including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has raised expectations for last year's basement dwellers.
Brett McKay
05 Feb 2025, 4:57
Opinion
Western Force and ACT Brumbies looking for signs of progress in Super Rugby Pacific
The capitulation of the Melbourne Rebels have meant the rest of the Australian franchises have strengthened and expectations have …
Brett McKay
13 Feb 2025, 10:14
Opinion
Aussie fans need to ‘cool their jets’ despite opening clean sweep
Waratahs, Brumbies and Western Force all enjoyed dramatic opening wins in Super Rugby Pacific, but excitement should be tempered.
Brett McKay
18 Feb 2025, 5:43
Interview
‘I tried to really line him up’: Swain holds sway as Brumbies 'brother' Ikitau feels full Force
Childhood mates whose careers followed the same path, Darcy Swain and Len Ikitau never thought they'd play against each other.
Brett McKay
26 Feb 2025, 5:14
Opinion
Wallabies far from perfect but ‘stressful’ Schmidt era starts on winning note
Only a second win from 13 Tests in Sydney was a solid benchmark to kick-start the new coach's reign.
Brett McKay
09 Jul 2024, 6:24
Opinion
The problem areas Joe Schmidt must address for 'desperate' Wallabies
Numerous on-field issues have becoming weeping sores for the embattled Australians as Wales arrive Down Under.
Brett McKay
02 Jul 2024, 16:20
Opinion
Brumbies the best team in Australia but still nothing to show for it
ACT are in familiar territory after coming up short in a Super Rugby semi-final for a third straight year.
Brett McKay
20 Jun 2024, 8:40
Exclusive
Noah Lolesio: 'I've experienced all the ups and downs of international footy'
The fly-half is relaxed about the prospect of a Wallabies recall as he aims to steer Brumbies to the SRP final.
Brett McKay
12 Jun 2024, 7:17
Opinion
Brumbies and Reds have confidence but distracted Rebels require major upset
Brumbies and Reds can be optimistic tackling the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs but Rebels face a tall order.
Brett McKay
05 Jun 2024, 9:02
Opinion
Final-round curveball may open door to Brumbies top-two finish
Eleven sides are still in top-eight contention heading into the final round of Super Rugby Pacific games.
Brett McKay
30 May 2024, 5:17
Interview
How Kevin Foote's Rebels are making history after 'slap in the face'
Against a backdrop of financial ruin and doubt, the Rebels coach has steered his troops to a maiden Super Rugby play-off.
Brett McKay
21 May 2024, 17:56
Opinion
Flood of back three talent highlights Australia’s folly in pursuing league stars
A glut of back-three talent has exposed Australia's short-sighted policy in luring Joseph Suaali’i from league.
Brett McKay
14 May 2024, 15:00
Opinion
Brumbies and Reds primed to fly Aussie flag furthest
ACT and Queensland look well equipped to go deep into the Super Rugby Pacific Finals, but the other three sides face a rocky home …
Brett McKay
08 May 2024, 7:05
Opinion
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific
The future of the Victoria-based franchise have dominated the headlines in Australia but does winding them up make sense?
Brett McKay
02 May 2024, 5:41
Opinion
Disciplinary verdicts as puzzling as ever – even when consistent to a fault
Arguments of inconsistency in SANZAAR's judicial process are mostly superficial, but it is still prone to some puzzling verdicts.
Brett McKay
25 Apr 2024, 15:58
Opinion
How are Australian sides faring in Super Rugby Pacific?
Who's trending up? Who's performing as expected? And who still has work to do?
Brett McKay
16 Apr 2024, 9:41
Opinion
Brumbies must nail new defensive system to take next step
Five straight wins have propelled ACT into contention but key areas of their game need work if they are to progress to a SRP final…
Brett McKay
09 Apr 2024, 15:15
Analysis
The Waratahs, self-inflicted pressure, and the crippling weight of expectation
With the winds of change blowing through Australian rugby, the current fortunes of the Waratahs are causing furrowed brows
Brett McKay
03 Apr 2024, 10:43
Analysis
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?
Who has credit in the bank and who has a case to build for the new Australia head coach?
Brett McKay
26 Mar 2024, 16:34
