Pritchard, who made his Super Rugby Pacific debut last season against the Fijian Drua, is keen to harness the insights gained from his recent experiences in the Super Rugby AUS and a tour to Hong Kong to anchor a consistent position in the Brumbies’ lineup for the upcoming year. With the exit of Len Ikitau, now with the Exeter Chiefs, Pritchard is determined to elevate his game in the centres.
Reflecting on his swift journey thus far, Pritchard shared with Rugby.com.au, “It’s moved pretty quickly. I didn’t really have that much time to go, ‘wow, this is what I’ve actually done this year.’ I’ve got through a lot… the Super Rugby debut, which was an unreal experience over there in Fiji. I’m still pinching myself to this day to believe that actually happened.”
Training with experienced players such as Lenny Ikitau and Tom Wright has fueled Pritchard’s motivation, as he admires their professionalism and dedication. He expressed his appreciation for the learning environment within the team, emphasizing, “It’s been unreal just with the boys around me, the standards, the Wallabies boys. I’m just trying to take everything I can from those guys.”
As the Brumbies gear up for a demanding 2026 season, they are faced with challenges, including the anticipated absence of Tom Wright until at least May. Nevertheless, Pritchard remains hopeful, attributing his optimism to the meaningful connections developed during recent Wallabies camps. “The vibe’s been pretty good actually. The camp brought us a bit closer… it was a good connection piece,” he pointed out, underscoring the value of trust within the team.
He also commended Tom Wright’s support throughout his recovery from an ACL injury, recognizing the importance of focusing on the finer details beyond the training pitch. Pritchard articulated, “One piece of advice from him is that it’s the little stuff that you can do outside of actually being on the training paddock… that’s probably the biggest thing I’ve taken away from the year.”
With promising talents like Jarrah McLeod, David Feliuai, and Ollie Sapsford joining the team, Pritchard is optimistic that healthy competition will bolster the Brumbies’ performance, even with a challenging schedule ahead. The Brumbies are dedicated to embracing a future rich in growth and resilience as they prepare for the upcoming season, signaling a hopeful outlook for both the players and their supporters.