Stephen Larkham Travels from Canberra, ACT

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Stephen Larkham is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential rugby union figures of his generation — a playmaker and coach who helped shape a golden era for Australia.

From showcasing his potential in the Australian Schoolboys and Australian Under-19 team, he joined the ACT Brumbies for the inaugural Super 12 season in 1996 and made his Wallabies debut the same year. He played fullback on the Spring Tour, scoring twice against Scotland. In 1997, coach Rod Macqueen shifted him to flyhalf — a bold move that would redefine both Larkham’s career and the position itself.

Over 12-years, he earned 102 Test caps and scored 135 points, representing Australia in three Rugby World Cups. Larkham’s most iconic moment came during the 1999 Rugby World Cup semi-final, when he landed a 48-metre drop goal in extra time to defeat South Africa — despite a knee injury and poor eyesight. The Wallabies went on to win the tournament.

His long-running partnership with halfback George Gregan — 73 Tests together — was one of the most successful in rugby history, honoured by the naming of the Gregan–Larkham Stand at Canberra Stadium.

At Super Rugby level, Larkham lead the Brumbies to titles in 2001 and 2004. After retiring in 2008 following a stint in Japan, he moved into coaching, first as the Brumbies’ attack coach, then Head Coach in 2014. He also served for the Wallabies , helping guide the team to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final.

Following international experience with Irish club Munster, Larkham returned to Canberra in 2023 as Brumbies Head Coach, where he has continued to drive the team’s consistency and success.

Larkham was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2012 and the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2018. Quietly brilliant and widely respected, he remains a defining figure in the story of Australian rugby — as both a player of rare creativity and a leader of enduring influence