He spent the morning making and handing out cups of tea, which should have suited him because impeccable service will be the emerging scrumhalf's No. 1 job next year.

He's one of six players battling for two Brumbies' halves spots for the Super Rugby season. At 21 years old and with six games under his belt, Lonergan is the second-most experienced of the group.

Joe Powell is the elder statesman at 25-year-old while flyhalf hopeful Reesjan Pasitoa is the baby after turning 18 this week.

So Lonergan says spending time away from training and put in unfamiliar situations is just as important as bashing into teammates at training as they prepare to step into the Super Rugby unknown.

"I guess if you're good enough, you're old enough," Lonergan said.

"I've got faith and the coaches obviously have faith in what we're putting in place. I think we'll be fine next year.

"To be honest, wanting to play rugby I never thought I'd go to a retirement village but it was really nice. It's just good to be able to get out there, not for the Brumbies but just for ourselves. It makes you feel good to get out and do that sort of stuff."

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has built five hours community engagement into his program from the pre-season and when the regular season begins on January 31.

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It means players will spread around Canberra to different organisations in the hope of forging a connection with supporters who have turned away from the game for a multitude of reasons over the years.

Lonergan was part of a group at Goodwin Village, while visited the bushfire control centre at Queanbeyan after a trip to Braidwood was cancelled.

McKellar's vision has a double benefit. Canberra rugby fans will feel connected to the Brumbies and the players will feel like they're playing for a city.

Lonergan's goal is to push Powell for scrumhalf game time, with Issak Fines joining the three-way battle. Pasitoa, Noah Lolesio (20) and Bayley Kuenzle (21) are the contenders for the No. 10 spot.

"I'm feeling pretty positive. We've all put our hands up, the competition will get the most out of us, so I'm feeling pretty positive about what's to come," Lonergan said.

"I feel a lot more comfortable the more I'm around the boys so hopefully that helps."

Lonergan made his debut as a teenager in 2017 and will be playing for a contract extension in 2020.

January 31: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.

February 7: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.

February 15: ACT Brumbies v Otago Highlanders at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.

February 22: Waikato Chiefs v ACT Brumbies at Hamilton, 5.05pm.

March 8: Japan Sunwolves v ACT Brumbies at Osaka, 3.15pm.

March 15: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.

March 21: Auckland Blues v ACT Brumbies at Eden Park, 5.35pm.

March 27: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies at Brisbane, 7.15pm.

April 4: ACT Brumbies v Wellington Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.

April 12: ACT Brumbies v Argentina Jaguares at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.

April 25: Durban Sharks v ACT Brumbies at Durban, 10.05pm.

May 3: Pretoria Bulls v ACT Brumbies at Pretoria, 1.45am.

May 9: ACT Brumbies v Cape Town Stormers at TBC, 7.15pm.

May 15: Melbourne Rebels v ACT Brumbies at Melbourne, 7.15pm.

May 23: NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies at Parramatta, 7.15pm.

May 29: ACT Brumbies v Japan Sunwolves at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.

June 6: Week one finals

June 13: Week two finals

June 20: Grand final