‘I Wasn’t Willing to Take Any Chances’: Unusual Aspect of Wallabies Star’s New Two-Year Contract with the Brumbies

Wallabies star Len Ikitau has sealed a new contract with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies, ensuring his availability for national selection until the 2027 World Cup.

As part of this two-year agreement, Ikitau will embark on a sabbatical, resulting in him competing in just one season of Super Rugby while based in the nation’s capital.

The flexible contract allows him to experience a season in the UK in 2026 before returning to Australia in time for the 2027 rugby calendar.

He is set to participate in the remaining matches of this year’s Super Rugby season before joining the Wallabies’ training camp.

After the second Bledisloe Cup clash in Perth come October, Ikitau will head off to the UK for a nine-month period with Exeter, a deal that is reported to be valued at around $770,000. Despite this overseas stint, he remains eligible for selection in the Aussie squad during the Spring Tour.

Ikitau is set to return to Australia in July for Wallabies commitments and will rejoin the Brumbies for the 2027 Super Rugby season. Since his debut in 2021, he has already represented the Wallabies in 39 Test matches.

This is not the first instance of Rugby Australia facilitating sabbaticals within contract negotiations. Notable players such as David Pocock and Michael Hooper previously missed Super Rugby seasons in 2017 and 2021 to play in Japan. Current Wallabies Rob Valetini, Angus Bell, and Tate McDermott also have provisions in their contracts allowing for a year away without affecting their national selection.

Similarly, Rugby New Zealand has embraced this approach with several All Blacks stars, such as Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, and Brodie Retallick.

“You don’t want to be that one player who takes a season off and then fades from view until retirement,” Ikitau remarked, as noted by The Sydney Morning Herald.

“I wanted to ensure I was putting my hand up and playing in Australia to increase my chances of competing in the 2027 World Cup.”

“I didn’t want to take any risks by playing overseas.”

Traditionally, Rugby Australia does not select Wallabies from players who are based overseas. The inclusion of sabbaticals is viewed as a way to strike a balance between club commitments and national duties.

Ikitau expressed gratitude towards the Brumbies and Rugby Australia for their accommodating nature in arranging this agreement, stating that the opportunity allows his young family to experience life abroad, with the reassurance of a job upon their return.

“I want to extend my thanks to the Brumbies and Rugby Australia for their flexibility. My family and I are eager for this unique experience in the UK with Exeter,” he said in the announcement of his new deal.

“Knowing that we’ll be coming back to Canberra and the Brumbies is very comforting, especially with the Rugby World Cup being hosted at home in the near future.”

Rugby Australia’s high-performance director, Peter Horne, commented that the sabbatical would significantly contribute to Ikitau’s ongoing development.

“Given his reputation in the sport, Len’s talent was sought after by clubs and leagues around the globe,” he stated. “However, he made his desire to remain a long-term Wallaby and his enthusiasm for representing Australia at the home World Cup in 2027 abundantly clear from the outset.”