Wallabies captain Harry Wilson says players are risking missing World Cup selection by signing with overseas club

The Wallabies captain has urged Australian players to think about the 2027 Rugby World Cup when deciding about their future.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson hopes Australian players look at the “bigger picture” of the 2027 Rugby World Cup when deciding whether to risk national selection by signing with an overseas club.

With popular Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt yet to decide whether he will guide Australia beyond this year’s British and Irish Lions tour, some players are reportedly considering their options, including playing their club rugby abroad despite the possibility it could cost them a World Cup spot.

Wilson’s Rugby Australia contract expires at the end of this year, and he’s keen to sign a new deal but is happy to let his agent sort out the details.

“That’s the beauty of an agent,” he said.

“It takes all the stress off my shoulders. I don’t need to worry about what’s happening.

I’m just worried about training here (with the Queensland Reds) every day.”

The star No.8 said players were taking a “massive risk” of not playing at a World Cup on home soil by signing for an overseas club rather than committing themselves to Super Rugby where most of Australia’s squad is likely to be selected from if current selection guidelines are any indication.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s future beyond this year’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia remains unknown. Picture: Grant Down / AFP

“It’s already been seen that it’s a risk that if you sign to play overseas, you might give up your Wallabies jersey,” Wilson said.

“That’s what people have to be wiling to do if they sign with an overseas club.

“It’s a massive risk. I know how much the Wallabies jersey means to a lot of us. I hope a lot of people can see the bigger picture here.”

Wilson admitted it was a “unique position” with the Australian rugby fraternity waiting for Schmidt to make a decision on his future.

“The one thing from us guys that played under him last year, and probably the rugby public of Australia as well, is that we appreciate what he’s done for us,” Wilson said.

“We feel like he’s put us on the right way forward. Whatever he decides to do, we’ll respect what he’s done for us in such a short time.”

Wilson’s Reds and Wallabies teammate Fraser McReight, whose Rugby Australia contract also expires at the end of the year, also believed players would be taking a gamble with World Cup selection if they signed with an overseas club.

“Rugby in Australia is important, which is why Joe and RA have made it very clear about picking Wallabies who are based here,” McReight said.

“It’s a tough one. By playing in France or England, which are tough competitions, if you’re getting better, I don’t see why you can’t get picked (for) Australia, but I also think that we should be picking home-based players.”

Originally published as Wallabies captain Harry Wilson says players are risking missing World Cup selection by signing with overseas club