From pounding the rowing lanes to charging the rugby pitch, Manly’s own Cadeyrn Neville has once again proven that persistence pays off—securing a contract extension with the ACT Brumbies through to 2026.
Neville, who grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and played his first game of rugby at Manly Oval, has carved out an impressive path that’s anything but conventional. Before ever picking up a rugby ball, he was a national-level rower with the Australian Institute of Sport and even competed at the Youth Olympics.
But it was in 2009, at age 21, that the Manly Marlins gave him his start in rugby—and the rest, as they say, is history.
“It’s been one of the best chapters of my career,” Neville said of his Brumbies stint. “I’ve got a young family now and it’s a privilege to remain settled here” (rugby.com.au).
Since that late start, the 36-year-old lock has racked up over 127 Super Rugby caps—including 62 with the Brumbies—and earned eight Test appearances for the Wallabies after a debut against England in 2022 at age 33. In a sport that rewards youthful beginnings, Neville’s rise is an outlier—and an inspiration.
A Career Born on the Northern Beaches
Born in Dee Why and educated at Manly Selective Campus, Neville’s early years were dominated by rowing, not rugby. It wasn’t until after his rowing career plateaued that he gave rugby a go—lining up for the Marlins in the Shute Shield, where his rapid development caught national attention.
He debuted for the Melbourne Rebels in 2012, earning 47 Super Rugby caps across several seasons. He later joined the Queensland Reds, followed by a three-year stint in Japan with the Toyota Industries Shuttles. Neville returned to Australia in 2020, signing with the Brumbies just days before the Super Rugby AU season resumed.
Now a veteran presence in Canberra’s forward pack, Neville’s influence goes well beyond his physicality on the field.
Caderyn Neville: Leading by Example
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham praised Neville’s commitment and quiet leadership.
“Cadeyrn brings enormous experience… he’s among the fittest and strongest players at the club and his set piece is among the best in the country,” Larkham said (brumbies.rugby).
Neville is also known for mentoring the next wave of Australian locks, including Darcy Swain and Nick Frost. His work ethic, professionalism and calm demeanour have made him a respected figure both on and off the field.
Despite being one of the oldest players in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, Neville remains in top condition, telling Rugby.com.au:
“It’s just about turning up every day, ticking off your prep, training hard, and being consistent. That’s what’s kept me going” (rugby.com.au).
A Lock for the Lions
Neville’s contract extension comes as the Brumbies prepare to host the British & Irish Lions in their 2025 tour—a high-profile fixture that adds weight to his return.
For Manly locals who remember Neville crashing into tackles at Manly Oval, it’s a proud moment. His is a story of second chances, late starts, and a steady climb to the top of elite rugby. From Marlins blue to Wallabies gold, Neville’s roots on the Northern Beaches have shaped the gritty, no-nonsense player he’s become.
And now, with a new deal locked in, he’s far from done.
