CANBERRA – ACT Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to the All Blacks, stating his commitment to the Brumbies and confirming ongoing contract negotiations. The news comes after a dominant 50-24 victory over the reigning Super Rugby champions, the Crusaders, in Christchurch on Sunday, a result that fueled rumors of potential interest from New Zealand Rugby.
“What we have is home for me,” Larkham told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday. “This is something I’m very passionate about. And there are ongoing discussions (with the Brumbies).” He added that his desire to remain with the Brumbies is “irrespective of the start of the season,” signaling a strong preference to continue leading the Australian Super Rugby franchise.
The Brumbies’ impressive performance against the Crusaders, a team that has historically dominated Super Rugby, has undoubtedly raised Larkham’s profile. The victory was particularly notable given the absence of key players including Tom Wright (knee injury) and captain Allan Alaalatoa (back injury), as well as the off-season departures of Wallabies Len Ikitau, Noah Lolesio, and Tom Hooper. Despite these challenges, the Brumbies showcased a prolific attack and a stout defense, securing a second consecutive bonus point win and taking the top spot on the Super Rugby ladder.
The timing of the speculation surrounding Larkham and the All Blacks coincides with a period of change within the New Zealand Rugby setup. Former All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson was recently relieved of his duties, leading to a search for a replacement. Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie have been reported as leading contenders for the role, suggesting a potential reshuffling of the coaching staff, which could have included an assistant coach like Larkham.
However, Larkham appears focused on the immediate task at hand: preparing the Brumbies for their upcoming match against the Blues on Saturday night. While acknowledging the significance of the win over the Crusaders, he emphasized the need for continued improvement. “We looked at a number of things yesterday in our review,” he said. “We’ve certainly spoken about connection and the ability to play the way that we’re playing.”
Larkham specifically highlighted the need to improve the Brumbies’ aerial contest, anticipating a greater challenge from the Blues. “If you have a look at the aerial contest, we didn’t really get challenged because the wind was so strong on the weekend,” he explained. “But this year, we’ve seen a change of that kicking in to more contestable kicks, so we’re expecting that battle to come this weekend. So that’s certainly an area that we want to be better in.”
The Brumbies’ strong start to the season has been a welcome surprise, particularly considering the pre-season uncertainty following their trial match losses to the Waratahs and Force. Larkham acknowledged those early doubts, stating, “There was a bit of doubt going into the first round out the back of the trials, in terms of where we are going to sit with all of these changes and experienced players that we lost.” However, the team has quickly dispelled those concerns, scoring a combined 106 points in their first two matches.
Larkham’s contract with the Brumbies is set to expire at the end of the current season, making him a potentially attractive target for other teams, including the All Blacks. However, his public statements and ongoing negotiations with the Brumbies suggest a strong desire to remain in Canberra and continue building on the team’s recent success. The 51-year-old’s connection to the Brumbies and his passion for the team appear to be significant factors in his decision-making process.
The situation highlights the increasing demand for experienced and successful coaches in Super Rugby, as teams look to gain a competitive edge. Larkham’s ability to navigate player turnover and deliver impressive results has undoubtedly caught the attention of rival organizations. However, for now, his focus remains firmly on the Brumbies and their pursuit of a Super Rugby championship.
The Brumbies’ upcoming match against the Blues will be a key test of their early-season form. Having only beaten the Auckland-based team twice in their past seven encounters, Larkham and his squad will be looking to make a statement and solidify their position at the top of the Super Rugby ladder. The game promises to be a physical and tactical battle, with both teams eager to showcase their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.
