Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Wallabies and Brumbies star Len Ikitau says a fear of fading into rugby obscurity overseas was the impetus for signing a new contract that will see him stay in Australian rugby until a home World Cup in 2027.
After months of negotiations, RA pulled off a coup by signing Ikitau on a flexible deal that keeps him available for Wallabies duties.
This masthead reported in February that Ikitau was close to recommitting.
Ikitau will play out the remainder of this year’s Super Rugby season with the Brumbies before heading into Wallabies camp for the British and Irish Lions series.
In October, after the Rugby Championship, Ikitau will head to the UK for a nine-month stint with Exeter, on a reported deal of £400,000 (AUD $770,000).
The outside centre will return to Australia in July 2026 for Wallabies duty, then rejoin the Brumbies in 2027 ahead of the World Cup. Ikitau has played 39 Tests for the Wallabies since debuting in 2021.
Len Ikitau scores a try against Wales in November 2024.Credit: Getty Images
“You don’t want to be that one person that goes this season, and then you never hear of them or see them again until they retire,” Ikitau said. “I wanted to make sure that I’m putting my hand up and make sure that I’m playing in Australia to hopefully play in that World Cup in 2027.
“I didn’t want to take any risk in terms of playing overseas.”
Ikitau has a young family and jumped at the chance to experience northern hemisphere life before returning to Australia. He will still be eligible for three Wallabies spring tour fixtures in November later this year – against Italy, France and Ireland.
“I wanted a change,” Ikitau said. “I love the Brums, but I felt like it was time to try a new place out. It wasn’t like I didn’t love the game, but I’ve been in Canberra since 2016. It’s been a long time. I wanted a little refresher, play a different brand of footy, live in a different country with my family and travel if we get the chance to.”
The Len Ikitau flick pass for the Wallabies’ match-winner against England.Credit: Stan Sport
The 26-year-old, who set up a match-winning try for Max Jorgensen last year against England at Twickenham, said uncertainty over who would replace Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach did not impact his decision.
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh’s assurance that a new Wallabies coach would be finalised this week has fallen through after the Queensland Rugby Union continued to dig its heels in and seek compensation before releasing Les Kiss from his Reds contract.
RA’s search for Schmidt’s replacement will enter a 12th week, with sources close to negotiations, speaking on the condition of anonymity, saying a resolution is now not likely until next week.
A fortnight ago, Waugh said the process was “in its final stages” and “we should be in a position to announce a head coach in two weeks”.
Last week, Waugh said an announcement was “imminent”.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh. Credit: Getty Images
There would be nothing stopping the Reds releasing Kiss early – he is on contract until the end of 2026 – but they have made it clear they want something in return.
RA remain confident that a deal can be struck.
“From what I’ve heard from the Reds boys, he’s an awesome coach,” said Ikitau of Kiss. “If he is the coach, I’ll have to impress. If you’re standing out – unless it’s Eddie Jones – then it doesn’t really matter who the coach is.
“To be honest, [the delay] didn’t really impact my decision and what I wanted to do. If you’re playing well for your franchise, everything takes care of itself.”
Asked if the disappointment of missing the 2023 World Cup was a factor in his decision to re-sign, Ikitau said: “It feels like a long time ago. The years have gone so quick, and as disappointing as it was, I’ve moved on.”
