Wallabies star Izack Rodda inks Rugby Australia contract extension
Wallabies star Izack Rodda has signed a two-year contract extension with Rugby Australia [RA] and the Western Force.
Rodda’s new deal, which will keep him in Perth until 2024, comes after he joined the Force from French club Lyon ahead of the current Super Rugby Pacific season.
Previously a member of the Reds, the 25-year-old lock departed Australian shores in 2020 after he refused to agree to RA’s short-term pay cuts forced upon the governing body by Covid-19.
However, Rodda took a hefty pay cut by returning to Australia to join the Force as he looked to resume his test career with the Wallabies ahead of next year’s World Cup in France.
After returning to his homeland following a season in France’s Top 14, Rodda was immediately thrust back into the Wallabies squad, and started in nine straight tests between September and November.
That is indicative of his value to Australian rugby, and, in a statement released on Tuesday, Rodda said the progression of the Wallabies was a significant reason behind his decision to re-sign with RA and the Force.
“I’m really excited to commit long term to the Wallabies and the Western Force,” the 34-test second rower said.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last six months or so, firstly with the Wallabies last year and now with the Force in Super Rugby Pacific.
“It feels to me like both teams are building something special and that’s something I’m looking forward to being a part of.”
Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie described Rodda as a “world-class lock” and said his vast experience at such a young age is invaluable for Australia.
“We’ve been really impressed with Izack’s attitude and work rate since coming into the environment last year,” Rennie said.
“He’s a world-class lock and his long-term commitment to Australian rugby can’t be understated. While just 25 years old, he’s played nearly 40 tests and has already been to a World Cup.
“His confidence has grown as a leader and that’s evident in the impact he’s having at test level and at the Force.”
Likewise, Western Force general manager Matt Hodgson said the franchise is “very excited” to have Rodda’s services for the next two Super Rugby Pacific seasons.
“Izack brings a great level of Super Rugby and international experience, which we are very excited to have at the Force,” he said.
“It’s fantastic for us and Australian rugby to have elite international players like Izack commit to being a part of our club moving forward.
“As an organisation we are working to become the leading rugby club in the world and attracting talented players like Izack will help us in that journey.”
RA chief executive Andy Marinos, meanwhile, added that the retention of Rodda is a “real positive” for Australian rugby.
“Izack’s re-signing is a real positive for Australian Rugby moving forward. He plays in a specialist position and has chosen to stay in Australia to further his international career and help bring success to the Wallabies and the Western Force,” Marinos said.
“Rugby Australia’s priorities continue to be targeting and retaining the best rugby talent in the country.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Think you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
5 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.
12 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.
5 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
7 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
7 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
5 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
7 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
5 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
5 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
46 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
12 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
12 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
12 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to comments