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Aussie Player Exodus

M

Major Tom

Ron Walden (29)
TSR said:
I’d be surprised if the Super coaches didn’t make contact with a lot of guys in Europe pretty regularly. And I completely understand that you don’t want to alienate the players who have stayed within the domestic Super Rugby & Pathways.

I think the aim of any initiative of this type should ultimately be to get them back in Super Rugby, not as some alternate pathway direct into the Wallabies.

But I do believe that people want to be wanted and a little effort can go a long way. If footballers were only motivated by money, which we sometimes seem to think, not many of our top players would be here at all. Our lifestyle and being close to family does mean a lot and there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that a lot of the French clubs sell the dream and the reality doesn’t always stack up. For me it would just be about reminding these young guys the door is always open to come back.
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Not really a pathway or fast track just more of “we’re in the neighbour” connect and have a conversation to see how they’re going. Give em a free ticket to a game on tour. They could be in the dressing room to witness someone get a debut cap or reach a milestone. That might be something that could inspire them and it wouldn’t cost the world.
 
Strewthcobber

Strewthcobber

Michael Lynagh (62)
Do we have a list of notable players who won't be part of Super Rugby 2026 yet? Anyone else?

Tom Hooper
Noah Lolesio
Len Ikitau
Ryan Smith
Angus Bell
Rob Leota
Langi Gleeson
Sam Carter
 
dru

dru

David Wilson (68)
Jimmy_Crouch said:
RA runs a lean ship in terms of employees but having someone responsible for understanding the "potentially" eligible Australian players based in Europe and being a connection piece back to RA for those players would be great. Scouting and staying in contact but they could also support the Wallabies manager for the Spring tour in terms of scouting venues, being the local liaison etc. Ben Darwin's original business model was to actually track players contracts not sure if anyone does that these days. I know most managers send lists of their clients basic info along with eligibilities and contracts expiry. Maybe there is someone at RA could track players from u14 or so rep teams
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So qualifying teams to be:

Wallabies (domestic focus, add overseas strength for RWC)
Australia A Eu... EuroAus?
 
Wilson

Wilson

John Eales (66)
Strewthcobber said:
Do we have a list of notable players who won't be part of Super Rugby 2026 yet? Anyone else?

Tom Hooper
Noah Lolesio
Len Ikitau
Ryan Smith
Angus Bell
Rob Leota
Langi Gleeson
Sam Carter
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Depends on where you draw the 'notable' line, but also Mahe Vailanu and Julian Heaven.

Sinclair has been rumoured gone too, but I don't think that has been officially confirmed.
 
The Ghost of Raelene

The Ghost of Raelene

Phil Kearns (64)
Earned the right to cash in.

Not much break if you join a top a french side. Bordeaux will play 34 matches this season and Bobby V will be in the 23 more often than not for any side he joins. Least amount is 25. Sit out a couple, injured a couple and still pull 18-20 games.
 
Dctarget

Dctarget

David Wilson (68)
The Ghost of Raelene said:
Earned the right to cash in.

Not much break if you join a top a french side. Bordeaux will play 34 matches this season and Bobby V will be in the 23 more often than not for any side he joins. Least amount is 25. Sit out a couple, injured a couple and still pull 18-20 games.
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And if it's a sabbatical only for a year you best believe they'll flog him too.
 
M

Major Tom

Ron Walden (29)
The Ghost of Raelene said:
Earned the right to cash in.

Not much break if you join a top a french side. Bordeaux will play 34 matches this season and Bobby V will be in the 23 more often than not for any side he joins. Least amount is 25. Sit out a couple, injured a couple and still pull 18-20 games.
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I would rather he went to Japan to manage his workload. The bloke has played a lot of minutes at the highest level!
 
Wilson

Wilson

John Eales (66)
No salary cap increase post Rebels is going to make things difficult:
Nonetheless, with RA opting against increasing the $5.5 million salary cap moving forward, sabbaticals and creative deals, which temporarily relieve financial pressures and allow players to spread their wings, will continue to be on the table in the years to come.

More of a concern for Super Rugby franchises, however, is the squeeze on recruitment and retention.

While most Super Rugby franchises expected there would be an uplift in the salary cap following the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels, that has not occurred.

Although RA helped house contracted Rebels players to other franchises in 2025 to fulfill their duties this season, the temporary relief will end at year’s end.
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Slim 293

Slim 293

George Smith (75)
Brumby Runner said:
The Roar reporting that Rob missed his deadline in April to notify RA of his intention to take up the sabbatical option. If so, looks like we can celebrate his performances again at the Brumbies in 2026.
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It does seem to reflect the Crimes reporting from a week ago with the Brumbies indicated he wasn't going anywhere...

I imagine if he does re-sign post 2027 it would be a requirement as per Wilson's post.
 
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