England Club Targets Wallabies as Hooper Appeals for Support

The Exeter Chiefs are on the verge of securing Wallabies halfback Jake Gordon as the English club intensifies its pursuit of Australian talent.

Exeter is poised to recruit Wallabies centre Len Ikitau on a nine-month deal set to begin following this year’s Rugby Championship, before he heads back to Australia with plenty of time to prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

This agreement would mean that the standout from the ACT Brumbies will miss the entirety of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season while still being retained in Rugby Australia’s long-term plans, as the nation adopts flexible contract strategies similar to those employed by New Zealand.

NSW Waratahs captain Gordon, who has emerged as Joe Schmidt’s preferred Test No.9 over the past year, is also due to finish his contract at the season’s end.

Aspiring Exeter coach Rob Baxter has already secured Wallabies forward Tom Hooper and Waratahs hooker Julian Heaven for the upcoming season and is confident about acquiring more top-tier talent from Australia.

“At nine, we’re aware we’re looking to inject some experience and quality there. Jake Gordon certainly fits that description; he’s a highly regarded player,” Baxter commented to the media.

“He has certainly gained prominence over the last few years both at his club and on the international stage. He is undeniably talented, but, as I mentioned, we’re assessing a range of options at No.9,” Baxter added.

“We are also exploring several hookers and centres, with Len Ikitau being one outstanding player we’d love to see at Exeter.”

Baxter reflected on the history of Australian players in the club, mentioning former notables like Greg Holmes, Dean Mumm, Nic White, Dave Dennis, and Lachie Turner, alongside current arrivals Scott Sio and Tom Hooper.

NEW PODCAST! Wallabies legend Michael Hooper calls in from Japan to discuss his international future

Former Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps, currently in Japan, remarked that Ikitau’s transfer to England is a “positive development” for Australian rugby.

Phipps, who played for London Irish in the past, asserted, “Are you suggesting he won’t gain experience playing 20 matches in the intense style of Premier Rugby? It’s a fantastic opportunity for him.”

Michael Hooper, another Wallabies great currently in Japan, believes Rugby Australia is on the right path by adopting more innovative approaches to contracts.

“Could our Super Rugby clubs loan players to various clubs worldwide?” Hooper mused on Inside Line.

“It provides players with exposure to different cultures, a chance to live independently, and an opportunity to learn from varied approaches. Here, with Steve Hansen and Ian Foster, we gain a New Zealand perspective.”

Hooper is currently playing side by side with Australia under-20s captain Toby Macpherson at Toyota Verblitz, where Macpherson is on a unique loan deal from the Brumbies.

“For someone like Toby, or any player aged 18 to 22, six months of exposure to alternative methods can be hugely beneficial at the start of their careers,” Hooper observed.

“Rugby Australia should embrace this and work towards forming and nurturing these relationships.”