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Brett McKay

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.

32 Articles
LONG READ
Opinion

Small steps for Wallabies but welcome signs of progress

Australia's ability to profit from in-game adjustments bodes well for further progress under Joe Schmidt.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
03 Sep 2024, 7:33
LONG READ
Opinion

'Workhorse Carlo Tizzano needs support to be at his best'

The rookie openside's defensive load must be lightened so he can make more impact around the field.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
28 Aug 2024, 3:43
LONG READ
Opinion

Australia must show that Springboks pain will yield longer-term gain

Joe Schmidt took solace in some aspects of the Wallabies' latest defeat, but swift improvements are needed.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
20 Aug 2024, 10:02
LONG READ
Opinion

'The greatest speedbump for The Rugby Championship is its marketing'

A tournament with such rich history, pedigree and rivalries is being undersold to sports fans.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
14 Aug 2024, 5:57
LONG READ
Analysis

Wallabies backrow stocks to get ultimate depth check

With Fraser McReight and Liam Wright out, Joe Schmidt will find out what sort of talent he has at his disposal with the Boks in Br…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
07 Aug 2024, 2:04
LONG READ
Exclusive

James Horwill: ''You can't tell me the code’s in trouble when you see every ticket's sold.'

With just under a year to go to the first Lions test, the ex-Wallabies skipper explains just how intense the tour is, for both sid…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
25 Jul 2024, 8:41
LONG READ
Analysis

Daugunu salvo shows why Wallabies work-rate is everything to Schmidt

The first of Filipo Daugunu's stunning double against Wales underlines the coach's early impact on Australia.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
16 Jul 2024, 8:02
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
09 Jul 2024, 5:24
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
02 Jul 2024, 15:20
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
20 Jun 2024, 7:40
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
12 Jun 2024, 6:17
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
05 Jun 2024, 8:02
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
30 May 2024, 4:17
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
21 May 2024, 16:56
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
14 May 2024, 14:00
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
08 May 2024, 6:05
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
02 May 2024, 4:41
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
25 Apr 2024, 14:58
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
16 Apr 2024, 8:41
LONG READ
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
Brett McKay
09 Apr 2024, 14:15
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