Wallabies centre Len Ikitau opens up about ‘refreshing’ Exeter sabbatical

Len Ikitau wasn’t in Sydney for the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards to collect the John Eales Medal, which was awarded to the Wallabies centre after a career-best 12 months in the gold jersey – instead, he was on the other side of the world preparing to debut for the Exeter Chiefs.

Rugby Australia confirmed in April that Ikitau had re-signed for another two years, which included a sabbatical with the Chiefs in England’s Premiership. Ikitau will return to Australia before the international season next July.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has spoken about the team’s midfield depth ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, with rookie Kye Oates among those who could potentially fill Ikitau’s vacant spot in the side.

Ikitau’s decision to sign with the Chiefs sparked a brief change for the Wallabies too, with coach Joe Schmidt pairing regular outside centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii up with Hunter Paisami for Quilter Nations Series defeats to England and Italy.

In just two appearances for the Chiefs, Ikitau has embraced the opportunity to grow on and off the field, “playing a different brand of footy” up north. Before the Wallabies face Ireland this weekend, the national team’s Player of the Year opened up about the benefits of the move.

“It’s a lot different to back home and how the Brumbies play,” Ikitau told reporters.

“Henry Slade’s there who’s not getting picked for England but he’s been playing unbelievable for Exeter.

“Just being able to learn off some experienced players and just learning off the younger players too, it’s been quite refreshing and exciting.

“I wanted to grow my game. I didn’t want to come over here and just play a season, I wanted to come over here and really grow, not only as a player but as a person and a family man. I feel like I’m slowly doing that,” he added.

“It’s quite tough when you used to be the younger boy and now you’re one of the oldest in the team. It’s gone so quick and before you know it I’ll be watching from the stands.”

Ikitau isn’t the only current Wallaby at the Chiefs, with backrower Tom Hooper putting pen to paper with the club based out of Sandy Park. Both Australians debuted for Exeter in a relentless 38-0 shutout win over Harlequins on October 20.

They retained their spots in the run-on side for the round five clash with Gloucester, which the Chiefs won comfortably 39-12. That match on October 26 was Ikitau’s most recently competitive appearance, having been left out of the matchday 23 to face Italy in Udine.

After starting their season with a last-gasp win over the Flying Fijians in Newcastle, beating the British & Irish Lions in Sydney, and recording famous comeback wins over the Springboks and Los Pumas, the Wallabies have won just two of their last eight matches.

The Wallabies are looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats this weekend, taking on one of Test rugby’s powerhouse sides at the Aviva Stadium. Following losses to England and Italy, the Australians are searching for an upset over Ireland.

“There’s been a lot of ups and downs. At the start of the year we’re building on what we did last year on the Spring Tour. I think that Spring Tour was a change for us as a team,” Ikitau reflected.

“Throughout the year there’s been a lot of ups and downs. We’ve lost a lot of players, some young players have come through.

“For me, I’ve really enjoyed this year. I’ve enjoyed playing with the boys and obviously I’m at Exeter now, I’m enjoying that new chapter. Very different to back home… I’m really enjoying it, enjoying my time.”