Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
There can't be any precedent for someone lining up against the lions after 11 starts/7 full games of pro rugby can there? Even IF made it to 14 games before his start.
Wallabies 2025
- Thread starter rugbyAU
- Start date
rugbyAU
Desmond Connor (43)
Yes they all should be
Jorgensen said he was running now and tracking well
Wilson I think back this week
Faessler apparently should be fit for Fiji
No one ruled out of the series yet
Ignoto
John Hipwell (52)
Lions 2013: Israel Folau one of three Australia squad newcomers
Code-switcher Israel Folau is one of three uncapped players in Australia's initial 25-man squad to face the Lions.
www.bbc.com
Izzy started on the RW against the Lions.
I CBF going through all the 2013 squad, but there's a heap of young players who had 0 Wallaby caps going into the Lions tour; Kane Douglas, Ben Mowen, Mogg, Lilo, Scott Sio plus a bunch at 1-2 caps like Joe Tomane,
Andrew Walker was probably close in 2001.
I'm sure you could find something similar for South Africa and NZ.
Dctarget
David Wilson (68)
Tizzano re-signs too.. Are we better at re-signing? Do we have more money or am I being blind? Maybe our players are worth less after years of being shit...
But McReight, T. Wright, Wilson, Tizzano, Daugunu, Salakaia-Loto, Williams, Frost, Kailea, L. Longeran, Gordon, Bell (I think), Faessler, Philip, Pete Samu, good news keeps coming.
I guess we've lost Leota, Gleeson, Ikitau for a season, Lolesio. No news on Tupou, that's all a bit of dosh. Combined with the cohort who left the year or two earlier.
But McReight, T. Wright, Wilson, Tizzano, Daugunu, Salakaia-Loto, Williams, Frost, Kailea, L. Longeran, Gordon, Bell (I think), Faessler, Philip, Pete Samu, good news keeps coming.
I guess we've lost Leota, Gleeson, Ikitau for a season, Lolesio. No news on Tupou, that's all a bit of dosh. Combined with the cohort who left the year or two earlier.
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
RA had $50m sitting in the bank from Lions pre-sales etc at the end of 2024. (It will go to pay off the debt.....but still)
In a bit over 2 years time they will have significantly more money than they have ever had.
Derpus
Phil Waugh (73)
We still produce great players. Issue has always been keeping ahold of enough of them at the same time.
All should be back except De Luttis.
rugbyAU
Desmond Connor (43)
Doran reporting Donaldson soon too
PhilClinton
Paul McLean (56)
It feels like we are spending big on the credit card to keep players at the moment.
There is obviously a sense of urgency to ensure we have a strong domestic cohort and product in the lead up to the RWC 2027. Nothing worse for publicity if we've got SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) teams running around with club players and the crowds and viewership numbers would reflect that.
I have real concerns that if our lads don't perform well in both the BIL series and then home RWC, there could be a very quick exodus and sharp decline in the quality of our domestic program.
There is obviously a sense of urgency to ensure we have a strong domestic cohort and product in the lead up to the RWC 2027. Nothing worse for publicity if we've got SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) teams running around with club players and the crowds and viewership numbers would reflect that.
I have real concerns that if our lads don't perform well in both the BIL series and then home RWC, there could be a very quick exodus and sharp decline in the quality of our domestic program.
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
Is this not just the "benefit" of contracting ~160 players instead of ~200 players, along with a really big drawcard in the home world cup over this contracting cycle?
RA have a bit more they can offer those who would previously have left, and may not have to for those with ambition for RWC
Are we spending big or is it more a case of improved sentiment towards rugby in Australia and Rugby Australia making it a lot easier to re-sign players?
Obviously we don't know what players are being paid but I think sentiment plays a substantial part in it. Is your first instinct when you're re-signing to try and remain in Australian rugby or is it seeking every dollar you can in the global market?
Obviously we don't know what players are being paid but I think sentiment plays a substantial part in it. Is your first instinct when you're re-signing to try and remain in Australian rugby or is it seeking every dollar you can in the global market?
Derpus
Phil Waugh (73)
Really? Most of these players we would have expected to keep in the past. We are still suffering attrition in depth which is our standard issue.
The Ruckening
Frank Row (1)
New here, but just gonna give this question a crack based off what I know.
Thinking it's more strategic spending we aren't really balling out as much as france and japan, more focusing on key resigns eg fraser, also Private equity injection and improved fiscal health post-2023 is giving them some breathing room, and the rebels collapse freed up some cap space. Eddie Jones’ exit and McLennan’s ousting improved player-trust in leadership, also Daniel Herbert and Phil Waugh are running a cleaner, more player-focused setup. And There’s less uncertainty: more test matches, clearer Wallabies pathways, and Super Rugby stability (finally). RA isn’t outbidding the world. But they’re finally making players feel valued, heard, and optimistic, and that is getting guys to stay who would’ve walked 2–3 years ago.
Nuggetyflyhalf
Frank Nicholson (4)
Phillip Waugh and Dan Herbert are doing an unbelievable job.