Reports: Japanese clubs eye up Wallabies and Brumbies stars
The Wallabies and Brumbies could be set for a double-whammy of player departures following reports of interest in two of their key men from Japanese clubs.
The two players in question are experienced halfback Nic White and promising first-five Noah Lolesio, both of whom are reported to be in the sights of teams from Japan’s League One competition.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, White has been offered a seven-figure sum by a Japanese team that is looking to acquire 31-year-old ahead of next year’s campaign.
Should White take the reported offer, he would jeopardise his place in the Wallabies squad at next year’s World Cup in France following adjustments made by Rugby Australia [RA] to its eligibility rules for offshore-based players.
Wallabies boss Dave Rennie can now only pick three overseas-based players – who have played at least 30 tests and played domestically in Australia for a minimum of five years – in each squad he selects per tournament, series or tour.
As such, White would compete with the likes of Kintetsu Liners first-five Quade Cooper, Suntory Sungoliath midfielder Samu Kerevi and Panasonic Wild Knights wing Marika Koroibete for one of three allocated places in the Wallabies set-up.
Lured back to Australia from English Premiership club Exeter Chiefs by former Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika ahead of the 2019 World Cup, White has featured prominently for the Wallabies since his homecoming.
A veteran of 47 tests, White has partaken in 25 of the 30 matches the Wallabies have played since his return from England.
Of those 25 tests, he started in 19 matches and featured in every one of Australia’s games at the 2019 World Cup, and is currently part of the national team’s leadership group.
White has also been crucial in the recent success of the Brumbies, playing a key role in their 2020 Super Rugby AU title, as well as their run to last year’s Super Rugby AU final and their win over the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Since returning to the Canberra-based franchise, White has formed a crucial halves partnership with Lolesio, who is also the subject of speculation about interest from Japanese clubs.
Fox Sports reports that Lolesio, the 22-year-old who has played 11 tests for the Wallabies since his breakout season two years ago, is weighing up an offer to ply his trade in Japan in a deal that is reportedly worth far more than what he earns in Australia.
Lolesio is part of a young nucleus of Wallabies players who are considered to be the future of Australian rugby, but he currently finds himself behind Cooper and James O’Connor in the national pecking order at first-five.
Cooper and O’Connor are the leading candidates to don the No 10 jersey for Australia at next year’s World Cup, and their participation in last year’s end-of-year tour at the expense of Lolesio’s inclusion is reflective of their standings in Rennie’s book.
Unlike White, Lolesio wouldn’t be eligible for Wallabies selection should he decide to move to Japan given he doesn’t meet the 30-test, five-year domestic service threshold required of foreign-based Australian players.
While the Wallabies have enough depth to adequately replace White or Lolesio should they leave for Japan, the Brumbies don’t have such luxury.
In players like Cooper, O’Connor, Matt To’omua, Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon, the Wallabies have other options available to them who could slot in and fill the void left by White and Lolesio appropriately.
The same, however, can’t be said of the Brumbies, who are also facing the loss of star fullback Tom Banks, who has reportedly been offered a two-year deal in Japan worth A$2.8 million.
Both White and Lolesio have been named to start by Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar for Sunday’s Super Round clash against the Highlanders in Melbourne, while Banks continues to recover from a facial fracture.
Comments on RugbyPass
Ardie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to comments