Wallabies star says Lolesio’s Japan move shouldn’t stop Lions series involvement

Wallabies prop Angus Bell believes teammate Noah Lolesio should still be allowed to play against the British and Irish Lions this year despite his decision to head overseas.

Australian rugby was dealt a blow last week when Lolesio, the incumbent Brumbies and Wallabies No.10, confirmed he had signed a deal to play in Japan from 2026.

Lolesio said part of his decision came down to the fact Joe Schmidt would not continue as coach past this year’s Rugby Championship and that Rugby Australia still hadn’t confirmed his replacement.

“Joe not being here after the Rugby Championship definitely made it tougher for me to stay to be honest,” Lolesio said on Monday. “Just the unknown of who the next coach will be.

“It’s a tough one because I definitely wanted to stay, ideally.”

Schmidt has made no secret of his desire to pick players who have committed long-term to Australian rugby. He uninvited Langi Gleeson to a Wallabies camp after he signed with Montpellier, while departing Brumbies back-rower Tom Hooper’s international future could be under a cloud while Schmidt is in charge.

Noah Lolesio is leaving Australian rugby. Credit: Getty Images

“He was pretty disappointed. It was a tough phone call,” Lolesio said of his conversation with Schmidt. “I thanked him for what he’s done for me. He’s been open about [Tom Hooper] and Langi [Gleeson] and not picking them.

“He said ideally he wanted me to stay, and he’s obviously got to factor in the future for boys that want to stay in Australia. Which is fair enough, but he also said that the window’s not fully closed as well.”

Bell, the 36-Test Wallaby, said he “definitely” wants to see Lolesio made eligible for selection as he squares off against the likes of Ben Donaldson and Tom Lynagh for a gold jersey.

“Noah is a classy player, and I’m not one to hold anything against people that want to chance their arm overseas,” Bell said ahead of the Waratahs’ clash with the Chiefs on Friday night in Sydney. “If someone works at Woolworths and then works for Coles, you don’t really hold anything against them.

Asked about the uncertainty and delay of announcing a new Wallabies coach, Bell said: “It’s not something that we’re not used to. Obviously, Joe’s putting in place some pretty good structures.

“I know they are looking far and wide for a bloke that’s similar - if not better - than Joe to take us forward. I’m sure Joe will be involved in some capacity because Joe is a really loyal coach.”

Bell will bring up his 50th match for the Waratahs on Friday and revealed how close he came to quitting last year following toe and foot injuries. NSW are looking to bounce back after a dismal 45-28 loss to Moana Pasifika on Saturday.

“I’m not going to sit here and say I wasn’t upset, but I genuinely thought it was over,” Bell said. “I thought I was going to probably retire last year.

“I didn’t really know if I would play in the front row again, which was pretty daunting. It’s been an incredible journey.

“I’ve loved my time here at the Waratahs. I just want to keep enjoying it. There’s been some times where I’ve doubted that I’d get to 50 or even be playing again.”

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