Phil Waugh vows to ‘get house in order’ as seven players released in mass exodus

‘He’s looked at the squad including those players and doesn’t see them as being in his starting 23.’ At the behest of Joe Schmidt, Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh has released a host of stars, reports JAMIE PANDARAM.

Seven Wallabies have now been given early releases from their contracts.

NRL-bound Mark Nawaqanitawase and Carter Gordon received early releases from their RA deals this week, and CODE Sports can reveal World Cup hooker Jordan Uelese has been granted a release to join French club Montpellier immediately.

Uelese, Izaia Perese, Josh Kemeny, Lachie Swinton and Ned Hanigan have now all been allowed to walk after asking for early releases in an alarming trend to the northern hemisphere.

The NRL is seeking to amend their rules to target more rugby stars, but Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh has vowed to put an end to the mass exodus.

Waugh’s NRL counterpart Andrew Abdo said this week league could tweak its contracting laws to lure more union stars following the acquisitions of Nawaqanitawase (Roosters) and Gordon (Titans).

“I’ve always said that we need to create a culture in Australian rugby that players want to be part of, we’re confident we’re on that journey,” Waugh told this masthead.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but if we create the right environment with the right opportunities for athletes to enjoy their rugby, there will always be the threats of league, overseas, other sports, we just need to make sure we’ve got our own backyard in order.”

Jordan Uelese has been granted immediate release by Rugby Australia. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Nawaqanitawase will join the Roosters in August, after playing for the Australian men’s sevens team at the Paris Olympics.

“I think the Olympics are special, rugby being a part of the Olympics is a very special opportunity for players in our game,” Waugh said.

“As is the international game, which is a clear differentiator for rugby over rugby league.

“But in saying that, you’ve got to leverage that differentiator and make sure the players are enjoying being a part of it.”

While Waugh had indicated a fortnight ago he was reticent to give early releases to any contracted players, new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt made it clear to him that the seven in question were not in his selection plans.

“I’ve said we need to pick the best 23 to win the next Test match, I’m not a selector, that sits with Joe and the management team and he’s looked at the squad including those players and doesn’t see them as being in his starting 23 on his judgment,” Waugh said.

“So I support the coach and management team.

“And then, we do what’s right for the game. If they’re not going to be in the starting 23, winning Test matches for the Wallabies, then what’s the right outcome for the game going forward, as well as ensuring the athletes leave in a good headspace with good memories of rugby so that the door is always open for them to return.”

Izaia Perese is not in Schmidt’s main line-up. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Carter Gordon has also found himself out of favour. Picture: Martin KEEP / AFP

A French source said Uelese was expected in the country “in the next three or four weeks”.

Montpellier narrowly escaped relegation after finishing 13th this season, winning the relegation playoff match against Grenoble 20-18 after kicking a 77th minute penalty to remain in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Nawaqanitawase revealed he was “shocked” to be snubbed by Schmidt, and said he will now focus solely on sevens before joining Trent Robinson’s Roosters, with the rare chance to play three professional sports within months.

“I’m still trying to get my head around it,” Nawaqanitawase said. “There’s been a lot going on this year. So I’m still trying to get it all together.

Mark Nawaqanitawase will play Sevens in Paris. Picture: Tim Hunter

“At the moment, [I’m thinking] just strictly Olympics. If I get too far ahead it kind of ruins things. So for me, just trying to focus on what I can do now, to help out where I can in this team, so not trying to look too far ahead with that stuff.

“[It was] obviously disappointing not getting picked in the Wallabies but I guess it is pretty that I get the opportunity to go to the Olympics, which is also another huge event. So I guess they just counter each other.

“It was a shock, a little bit [missing the Wallabies squad]. I guess that’s just the way it turned out.”

As for the chance to play for the Roosters in this year’s NRL premiership, Nawaqanitawase said: “I didn’t dream of it. But if, if it happens, it happens.”

The Wallabies play their first Test under Schmidt this Saturday at Allianz Stadium against Wales, and Liam Wright will captain the side.

Big week, big lifts 💪

See you on Saturday 🤝

🆚 Wales 7.45pm AEST
📅 Saturday 6 July
🏟️ Allianz Stadium
🎟️ https://t.co/WhF2arOsPo
📺 @stansportau & Nine#Wallabiespic.twitter.com/XQIElHGWiE

— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 3, 2024

As many as six debutants are set to be named, with Josh Flook to start at outside centre, Angus Blyth at lock, while bench spots are likely to be given to loosehead prop Isaac Kailea, lock/backrower Jeremy Williams, playmaker Tom Lynagh and outside back Dylan Pietsch.

Meanwhile, former Brumbies boss Dan McKellar is set to be announced as the new NSW Waratahs coach next week, working under newly appointed director of rugby, Simon Raiwalui.

McKellar has beaten out Scott Wisemantel, who had planned to bring New Zealand under-20s coach Jono Gibbes with him as an assistant.

Originally published as Phil Waugh vows to ‘get house in order’ as seven players released in mass exodus