 Lienert-Brown began his career in Christchurch, where he caught the eye with some excellent performances for Christchurch Boys' High School in the 2012 South Island finals.This began a rapid ascent for the young second five-eighth who was in line to be part of the squad for the 2013 ITM Cup until a shoulder operation that required surgery ruled him out.Nonetheless 2012 and 2013 Super Rugby champions the included him in their 2014 squad as part of the franchise's wider training group.