The Ghost of Raelene
Michael Lynagh (62)
Any Rugby site would be mad to not just "link" his name to the job. He's a lightning rod and a bloke that does draw attention and clicks.
Wallabies 2025
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Strewthcobber
David Codey (61)
Ikitau signs with Exeter.
Will Schmidt Langi Gleeson him from future squads?
Will Schmidt Langi Gleeson him from future squads?
I would hope not.
I would also hope Gleeson isn't completely excluded if his form warrants it.
I think there's a significant difference between the players you bring together for a January camp and an actual test squad. It's perfectly reasonable to apply different criteria to each.
Strewthcobber
David Codey (61)
I agree Schmidt can and should do whatever he wants with selection, but he's got a bit of form here with Izack Rodda, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Carter Gordon, Josh Kemeny and Izaia Perese and now Langi Gleeson.
Bit of a test for his position
He does have form.
I do think it is reasonable for him to take a different approach though. Last year it was quite reasonable to argue that we were building towards the Lions and had to plan for players who would be available for that. This year (at least to me) it would be nonsensical to not select our best team for the Lions series and Rugby Championship regardless of where they were playing in 2026.
In 2026 the new coach could certainly take the same approach that selections in 2026 have to be available for 2027.
JRugby2
Alex Ross (28)
SMH / Payten saying it's a Sabbatical Deal - so you'd hope this keeps him in contention
Dctarget
David Wilson (68)
Damn that's some talent
Dctarget
David Wilson (68)
Where's this info coming from? 1 year contracts?
Tomikin
Michael Lynagh (62)
From the Crimes..
Ikitau has reportedly agreed to a nine-month deal to join English club Exeter, and a clause in the contract could see the 26-year-old stay in England for another year.
The Wallabies centre's departure would be a bitter blow for the Brumbies, but there is hope Ikitau would return to the Test fold in 2026, and make a Super Rugby comeback on the road to the 2027 World Cup on Australian soil.
Ikitau attracted interest from a number of overseas clubs in the United Kingdom and Japan, having emerged as one of the best centres in the world.
"For me, it's just happiness. I want to be happy, I want to do what's best for my family. I've got a son now, so I'm doing what's best for my family and making the most of the opportunities that come up," Ikitau told The Canberra Times last month.
The Brumbies and Rugby Australia have been contacted for comment.
Just last week, Test-capped lock Darcy Swain urged Rugby Australia to spare no expense in re-signing Ikitau, labelling drawn-out negotiations "disrespectful" to the man he brands the best outside centre in the world.
He has played a starring role at outside centre since filling the void left by Tevita Kuridrani in Canberra, while also firing at inside centre when shifted by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to accommodate the arrival of Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i.
"When I got to play 12, it was an awesome opportunity. I'm known as a utility player, not just a 13 now, so that's a good thing for me," Ikitau told this masthead on the eve of the Super Rugby season.
"I'm happy to play wherever, if [Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham] wants me to play 12 or 13, I'll put my hand up and play wherever I can."
Ikitau has remained at outside centre for the Brumbies, who could soon be left to fill a gaping hole in their backline.
"We've always had good depth in our centres. 'Huddy' [Hudson Creighton] has been awesome for us in the last couple of years, he's been really awesome," Ikitau said.
"Then we've got Dave [Feliuai]. Dave has come in, and similar to the way Tams plays, he's got a lot more skill, being able to take it to the line and take the line on when there's an opportunity.
"A few young boys, we've got Kadin Pritchard who is awesome. He's going to be awesome in the next couple of years, you'll see his name in Super Rugby. Austin [Anderson] has been around the group for a couple of years, he's still young, but you'll also see Austin in the next couple of years."
Ikitau has reportedly agreed to a nine-month deal to join English club Exeter, and a clause in the contract could see the 26-year-old stay in England for another year.
The Wallabies centre's departure would be a bitter blow for the Brumbies, but there is hope Ikitau would return to the Test fold in 2026, and make a Super Rugby comeback on the road to the 2027 World Cup on Australian soil.
Ikitau attracted interest from a number of overseas clubs in the United Kingdom and Japan, having emerged as one of the best centres in the world.
"For me, it's just happiness. I want to be happy, I want to do what's best for my family. I've got a son now, so I'm doing what's best for my family and making the most of the opportunities that come up," Ikitau told The Canberra Times last month.
The Brumbies and Rugby Australia have been contacted for comment.
Just last week, Test-capped lock Darcy Swain urged Rugby Australia to spare no expense in re-signing Ikitau, labelling drawn-out negotiations "disrespectful" to the man he brands the best outside centre in the world.
He has played a starring role at outside centre since filling the void left by Tevita Kuridrani in Canberra, while also firing at inside centre when shifted by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to accommodate the arrival of Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i.
"When I got to play 12, it was an awesome opportunity. I'm known as a utility player, not just a 13 now, so that's a good thing for me," Ikitau told this masthead on the eve of the Super Rugby season.
"I'm happy to play wherever, if [Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham] wants me to play 12 or 13, I'll put my hand up and play wherever I can."
Ikitau has remained at outside centre for the Brumbies, who could soon be left to fill a gaping hole in their backline.
"We've always had good depth in our centres. 'Huddy' [Hudson Creighton] has been awesome for us in the last couple of years, he's been really awesome," Ikitau said.
"Then we've got Dave [Feliuai]. Dave has come in, and similar to the way Tams plays, he's got a lot more skill, being able to take it to the line and take the line on when there's an opportunity.
"A few young boys, we've got Kadin Pritchard who is awesome. He's going to be awesome in the next couple of years, you'll see his name in Super Rugby. Austin [Anderson] has been around the group for a couple of years, he's still young, but you'll also see Austin in the next couple of years."
JRugby2
Alex Ross (28)
Same SMH article reporting Len's leaving for a sabbatical
Derpus
Phil Waugh (73)
I once again wonder where the fuck the money comes from. Screw these fluffybunnys driving salaries through the sky with monopoly money. Its ridiculous.
Mark and Carter are not the same though both decided to go to another code before the tests started. No way you’re pick those blokes ahead of blokes staying in the code.
The Ghost of Raelene
Michael Lynagh (62)
I fear this is an ember for a fire that burnt an entire year last year.
Rhino_rugby
Herbert Moran (7)
The flexibility with the Japan season makes sense. But if it goes beyond short sabbaticals, full selection for overseas players should be on the table.
Yoda
Phil Hardcastle (33)
It’s perfectly understandable he is seeking a deal, not only for more money to help his young family but it will also help him become a better rugby player. It seems a really good deal too in that he will go after the Lions series or Spring Tour and then be back in 2027 for RWC. I’m surprised more Wallabies don’t look for something similar as it is clear Rugby Australia don’t have the cash to help all Wallabies with contracts like overseas ones. Especially with quite a number of them off contract after 2025.
Strewthcobber
David Codey (61)
He has no contract in place for 2027, other than an option in the UK though right? There's no guarantee we will get him back?
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Jimmy_Crouch
Peter Johnson (47)
Three seasons in a row destroyed Rocky Elsoms career. It's a tough slog. Need to be more careful about UK/France than Japan.