Wallaby star Len Ikitau has made up his mind on a decision between a R360 contract and the lure of a home World Cup in 2027.
Ikitau was approached to sign with the rebel league but will be staying loyal to Australian rugby after RA joined other national unions in saying they would not select R360 players in their national teams.
Ikitau has just arrived in England for a one-season stint with Exeter Chiefs, but will return to the Brumbies in time to press his claims as a Wallabies starter into the World Cup on home soil.
“It looks like it [R360] is going to be an exciting competition. It’s too bad that all the national unions are saying, ‘If you play in that competition, you can’t play in the World Cup.’ You’re kind of weighing up your options,” Ikitau said.
“I feel like a new competition for rugby would be awesome, but being a part of it, who knows? I think my manager’s been in touch, but I’m here with Exeter, and then I’m back with the Brums next year.”
CARDIFF, WALES – NOVEMBER 17: Len Ikitau of Australia breaks to score their seventh try during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between Wales and Australia at the Principality Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
“It sells itself being able to play in a Rugby World Cup, but in Australia, I don’t think you get the opportunity again if you miss out on it.
“So just having that in the back of my mind, wanting to be able to represent Australia in the 2027 World Cup, is something I want to do, 100 per cent.”
Ikitau will be set for a debut next week against Harelquins. He will be joined at the club by Brumbies and Wallabies teammate Tom Hooper.
Ikitau, meanwhile, said he was looking to learn from his new teammates, including likely centre partner, England international Henry Slade.
“He is a really good kicker, so I want to learn how to kick the ball like him and maybe a bit of goalkicking. Pick his brain, but I’m getting old. I just want to bring my experiences and add value to the team,” said Ikitau.
“Another reason I wanted to come here is because I wanted to grow my game, and I know that playing in the Premiership, I’m only going to get better as a player.
Len Ikitau of Australia passes the ball whilst under pressure from Ollie Sleightholme and Marcus Smith of England during the Autumn Nations Series 2025 match between England and Australia at Allianz Stadium on November 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
“It gets cold here, so I’m going to have to muscle up in the middle. That’s an area I really want to improve and get better at.”
Ikitau is looking for the move to freshen him up after six years at the Brumbies.
“I just wanted a new kind of beginning I guess,” Ikitau said.
“I’ve been at the Brumbies since 2019 and I’m not getting any younger, so I thought why not now?
“Just being here today the boys have been very welcoming and I’m just looking forward to ripping in.
“Anywhere would have been good for me but I’m lucky that I get to be in such a great position with this club and I’m just looking to put my best foot forward.”
Tony Harperhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2025/10/10/i-feel-like-it-would-be-awesome-wallabies-star-makes-choice-clear-between-exciting-r360-and-home-world-cup/‘I feel like it would be awesome’: Wallabies star makes choice clear between ‘exciting’ R360 and home World Cup
إرسال تعليق