Rugby Australia begins Wallabies contract negotiations, NRL weighs up salary cap relief
Rugby Australia has moved to secure the futures of several off-contract Wallabies as the NRL considers salary cap concessions to raid the 15-man code’s biggest stars. Find out more inside.
Rugby Australia has moved to counter an NRL raid by opening discussions with a host of off-contract Wallabies in a bid to sign them for the 2027 World Cup.
It can be revealed that RA has this week held talks with front line stars despite not having a new broadcast deal locked away.
It’s understood that RA will be ready to offer deals before the broadcast deal is done – they remain in talks with Nine and Stan Sport, who have an exclusive negotiation period until December 31.
But with NRL officials considering salary cap relief for clubs who poach rugby stars, an issue that is set to be discussed in the near future, RA is jumping on the front foot.
Key Wallabies including Fraser McReight, Len Ikitau, Harry Wilson, Taniela Tupou, Noah Lolesio, Tom Wright, Nick Frost, Jake Gordon, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Tane Edmed are all off contract next year, and while RA will struggle to keep them all, they need to sign the bulk to ensure they’re competitive when hosting the 2027 World Cup.
Some of those players have already been contacted by overseas rugby clubs.
It seems RA’s top brass was waiting for the spring tour to conclude to determine who are the priority signings.
RA’s director of high performance, Peter Horne, confirmed that talks had begun with some of the off-contract Wallabies.
“It’s been an encouraging year of growth for the Wallabies and we believe the squad is well placed to build upon those performances in 2025 and beyond,” Horne told this masthead.
“Now that the Autumn internationals have concluded, we have turned our attention to player contracting.
“That process started this week and we look forward to engaging with the players as we enter an extraordinary few years for the Wallabies, highlighted by the arrival of the British and Irish Lions in 2025 and a home World Cup in 2027.
“As we build towards 2027, securing key players for 2026 and beyond is vital to ensure that our Super Rugby clubs and the Wallabies are in the best position to compete for titles and succeed in international competition.”
As the NRL expands to 20 teams by 2029 and looks to pilfer talent from rival codes to boost its playing stocks, they will consider salary cap relief and other dispensations to target rugby stars.
They have not formally discussed the idea in recent meetings, but it’s expected they will form a position by next year.
RA has lost Mark Nawaqanitawase, Carter Gordon, and Sevens player of the year Nathan Lawson to the NRL in the past 12 months.
While the new broadcasting deal will play a major role in RA being able to offer widespread deals early next year, Wallabies stars will also be keen to know whether coach Joe Schmidt will continue in his role beyond the Lions series.
RA has offered Schmidt a deal through to the 2027 World Cup, but he has family commitments in New Zealand that will influence his decision.
Schmidt has turned the Wallabies from a rabble in 2023 to a competitive outfit showing signs of becoming a top team again.
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