Wallabies lose star centre Len Ikitau to English club Exeter Chiefs as crucial contract battle looms

Australia has lost one of its brightest stars to foreign rugby in a brutal blow to the Wallabies – and a major backroom battle over his long-term future could shape our national team’s identity.

News that Wallabies star Len Ikitau is signing for English club Exeter Chiefs is a thorough examination of Rugby Australia’s pull at the negotiation table, and selection strategy.

The national body is hoping to sign Ikitau to a long-term deal that will mean he only misses two games for the Wallabies this year, and one season for the Brumbies next year.

It’s understood talks between Ikitau and RA have been positive, and the 26-year-old star centre has been eager to understand the ramifications of his decision in relation to Wallabies eligibility.

When Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt disinvited Langi Gleeson from the January Wallabies camp after the backrower signed for French club Montpellier, and unspoken rule all of a sudden was thrust into the spotlight.

The message was loud and clear from RA; sign overseas and your Wallabies days could be over.

Len Ikitau has signed a deal with English Exeter Chiefs. Picture: Getty

Now, Gleeson met with Schmidt after being snubbed from the camp, and firmly believes he remains in contention to face the British & Irish Lions if form warrants it.

But the precedent has been set.

So what of Ikitau, who has not only signed with Exeter for nine months after The Rugby Championship, but has a second-year option at the English club?

And now it emerges that Exeter are also chasing Wallabies halfback Jake Gordon. However, the NSW Waratahs captain will not make a decision until he knows who is replacing Schmidt as Wallabies coach after TRC.

Outgoing Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, and his replacement, will be key to several players’ futures in Australian rugby. Picture: Getty Images

But they’re not the only ones off contract. Five-eighth Noah Lolesio, backrower Fraser McReight, fullback Tom Wright and lock Nick Frost are in demand overseas.

RA would do a remarkable job keeping them all in the tent. If one or some do sign overseas, are their Lions chances done?

These are the issues at play, but it wouldn’t surprise if cool heads prevail and we see every top Wallaby considered for selection against the Lions, whether they’re committed to Australian rugby beyond 2025 or not.

This masthead understands Ikitau has signed a nine-month deal with Exeter, with a clause in his contract that would allow him to remain in England for an additional season.

Brumbies and Wallabies star Len Ikitau has signed for Exeter. Picture: Getty Images

RA is trying to get Ikitau to sign a contract extension here, that would allow him to play one season for Exeter, and then return midway through next year for the 2026 Wallabies Test season, building into the World Cup at home.

How that materializes remains unclear, but it is now clear that one of Australia’s best backline talents will spend a significant amount of time playing overseas this year.

In an ideal world, Ikitau would leave the Wallabies after TRC, and then rejoin them for the spring tour when Exeter and other Premiership teams are sidelined due to the international fixtures.

If that happens, Ikitau is likely to be available for the first three spring tour games in the UK and Europe against England, Italy and Ireland, but he would miss the final match against France as that sits outside the Test window.

Len Ikitau scores a try against Wales. Picture: Getty Images

Ikitau proved himself to be one of the most valuable Wallabies players on last year’s spring tour, effortlessly switching from outside centre to inside centre to accommodate the arrival of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

The pair formed an outstanding midfield pairing that performed well against the teams from which the Lions squad will be chosen.

It’s no wonder UK clubs have been chasing Ikitau, who has a highlight worthy flick pass and left kicking game in his arsenal.

Ikitau’s agent, David Shand, refused to comment on ongoing negotiations with RA.

The midfielder is set to reap a handsome reward for his overseas stint.

Whether he returns to Australia depends on how much RA can put on the table for his services beyond the next 12 months, and if his Lions hopes have been impacted in any way by his decision to head overseas.

Originally published as Wallabies lose star centre Len Ikitau to English club Exeter Chiefs as crucial contract battle looms