Get ready to witness history in the making! Jarrah McLeod, the rising star from the ACT Brumbies, is set to make his Australia Sevens debut this weekend in Perth, marking a monumental moment in his already impressive journey. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: McLeod, a proud Yuin man, steps in to replace Dietrich Roache, who’s sidelined with a hamstring injury from the Singapore leg. And this is the part most people miss—McLeod’s meteoric rise is all the more remarkable because he’s yet to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut!
McLeod’s story is nothing short of inspiring. After dazzling fans during the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour with First Nations Pasifika, he caught the eye of scouts and secured a two-year deal with the Brumbies. But here’s the controversial twist: before rugby became his full-time career, McLeod juggled his passion with a laboring job—a testament to his grit and determination. Now, he’s not just a player but a symbol of perseverance for many.
This isn’t McLeod’s first rodeo in sevens, though. He previously shone with the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team during their 2024 Pacific tour, proving his versatility and talent. Coach Liam Barry couldn’t be more thrilled: “We’ve watched Jarrah’s progress carefully, and it’s fantastic to have him here in Perth. Big thanks to Stephen Larkham and the Brumbies for releasing him at such a critical time.”
The Australia Sevens squad has already seen one change, with Hadley Tonga stepping in for Cooper Watters. Now, with McLeod on board, they’re gearing up for a thrilling campaign, kicking off against New Zealand on February 7, followed by clashes with France and Great Britain.
But here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Can McLeod’s debut be the game-changer Australia Sevens needs to dominate the 2025-26 HSBC SVNS Series? Catch all the action live and on-demand via Stan Sport (https://www.stan.com.au/watch/sport/rugby) and let us know—do you think McLeod’s rise is just beginning, or is this the peak of his journey? Share your thoughts in the comments!**
