It’s a meteoric rise from tackle bag to Super Rugby Grand Finalist, but it could soon be a reality for 20-year-old Brumbies flanker Luke Reimer.
The young Warringah Rat made his Super Rugby debut in last weekend’s 21-9 Elimination Final victory against the Western Force.
With the game in the balance over the closing stages, Reimer was brought on for Pete Samu and made an immediate impact, forcing a turnover which allowed Ryan Lonergan to seal the game with a penalty goal.
It was a monumental step up for Reimer, who admits he was prepared to be the Brumbies tackle bag for the remainder of the season.
“There were a few moments that I thought I’d probably be wearing the tackle suit for quite a while,” he said.
“But I’m happy I’m finally here and very proud to be a Brumby.”
Reimer’s immense talent was recognised early, with the tough breakaway an influential part of the Rats journey to the Shute Shield Grand Final in 2019.
While Warringah fell short to the Students 21-16 in the Final, then Rats Head Coach Mark Gerrard described Reimer as having ‘raw physical talent, unmatched by many 18-year-old players.’
With Pete Samu’s Grand Final presence squandered through injury, Reimer will yet again be called upon for the biggest stage, as the Brumbies prepare to face the favored Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby AU Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.
Reimer will likely be called upon late against the Reds, with Brumbies Coach Dan McKellar hopeful the young breakaway can impose his usual physicality on a tiring Queensland pack.
No matter the outcome of Saturday’s Final, the Former Australian Schoolboy knows there will be a strong contingent of Warringah supporters in his corner.
“They might make the trip up,” he said.
“They’ve been egging me on recently, leaving comments on social media and supporting me.
“They’re great to have behind me and I’m happy to have them there.”
