Brumbies hand rookie Kye Oates two-year deal after ankle surgery ends debut season

The ACT Brumbies have tied down winger Kye Oates to a new two-year deal running through to the end of 2028, after the 27-year-old’s debut Super Rugby Pacific season was cut short by a surgery-requiring ankle injury.

Oates made three starts on the wing during the 2026 season — against the Queensland Reds, the Fijian Drua, and the Chiefs — playing the full 80 minutes in each appearance before sustaining the ankle injury while playing for the Brumbies Runners. The setback ended what had been an encouraging introduction to Super Rugby Pacific for the former Australia Men’s Sevens flyer.

Coach Stephen Larkham, who first described Oates as “naturally gifted” when the player was initially named in the Brumbies’ squad, reaffirmed that assessment in confirming the contract extension. “He’s a naturally gifted athlete with good acceleration, great footwork and an ability to identify space and create opportunities for those around him,” Larkham said. “He’s working hard to return to his best in 2027, and we’re excited to see what he can bring to the team next season.”

Oates, who debuted for the Australia Men’s Sevens at the 2022 Hong Kong Sevens and more recently represented the First Nations & Pasifika XV against the British & Irish Lions, said he was eager to build on his brief taste of Super Rugby. “The outside backs are a great group to learn from, and being around those guys every day is only going to help me improve my game,” he said.

“The injury was frustrating, especially after getting a taste of Super Rugby this year, but I’m working hard with the medical and high-performance staff to get back to my best. The focus is on being ready to go for 2027.”