Wallabies v England November 1

[Tomikin]

Christie confirms England have paid the clubs to release their players, and Australia didn't. Good chance to build some more depth?


Not clear as to what Australia could actually do here though, I suspect they would have to negotiate with the league, not individual clubs

Didn't Ikitau's contract have him being avaliable for Australia in it, for all games, if I remember when it was signed, or might have just been reg 9 ones.

Nope based on Google

Len Ikitau
is not allowed to play for Australia in every game while on his sabbatical with the Exeter Chiefs. He is only available for matches that fall within World Rugby's Regulation 9 international release windows.

What this means for Ikitau's eligibility

• Availability for internationals: Ikitau was not available for the first two tests of the Wallabies' 2025 autumn tour because they were outside the Regulation 9 window. However, he was expected to join the squad for the final three tests against Italy, Ireland, and France, which were scheduled within the international window.
• Returning for 2026: Under the terms of his flexible contract, Ikitau is set to return to Australia ahead of the 2026 international season for Wallabies duty.
• Rugby Australia's selection policy: While Rugby Australia has relaxed its overseas selection rules, it still holds that domestic players who are of equal caliber to their overseas counterparts will be prioritized. For matches outside the Regulation 9 window, like the one against England in October 2025, Rugby Australia was unable to secure the release of its English-based players, including Ikitau.

 

[Homer]

Ieli got pretty comprehensively towelled up by De Lutiis in the Super AU game at Ballymore. He's a hugely promising young player, but the consistency and resilience aren't there yet, he needs more time.

He also scrummed well against the Lions, so everyone can have a bad day. Kailea struggled against the Japanese scrum and had no impact around the field. If we are short of players I know which one I would prefer. Both need time though.

 

[Uh huh]

He also scrummed well against the Lions, so everyone can have a bad day. Kailea struggled against the Japanese scrum and had no impact around the field. If we are short of players I know which one I would prefer. Both need time though.

Yeah I think we're broadly in agreement. Ieli definitely has a high ceiling. Just because Kailea has already performed for the Wallabies I'd be inclined to keep him there and give Ieli more time. Invest in the future and all that.

 

[Dctarget]

Any chance we trick Reece Walsh into an Aussie jersey with a 10 on it this weekend? Not sure he'd notice anything different. Stadium being full might be a give away.

 

[Red Runner]

Goddam - I just want an old school Bobby V to go nuts this weekend and bash these Poms. Really put the fear of God Bob into them. And then JAS just needs to remember how he played against them 12 months ago, with such freedom and brashness, and we are good to go.

 

[Ignoto]

He is only available for matches that fall within World Rugby's Regulation 9 international release windows.

I wonder what happens with the "nations cup" they're trying to shove down our throats. Using this EOYT as an example, would one of these games fall outside of this competition or will it expand the "release window"?

 

[Tazzmania]

Nation Cup Matches will fall inside the window:

"The summer phase will take place in July 2026, with European nations travelling south to face three opponents from the Rugby Championship and beyond.

In the autumn, reverse fixtures will be held in Europe. Each nation will play all six teams from the opposite pool, ensuring high-level matchups throughout the tournament."

 

[Strewthcobber]

Nation Cup Matches will fall inside the window:

"The summer phase will take place in July 2026, with European nations travelling south to face three opponents from the Rugby Championship and beyond.

In the autumn, reverse fixtures will be held in Europe. Each nation will play all six teams from the opposite pool, ensuring high-level matchups throughout the tournament."

Grand final the exception - outside of the window?