Wallaby Rob Leota exits Bayonne with immediate effect

Australia back-row Rob Leota has left Bayonne with immediate effect just over a year after joining, the club have confirmed.

The 29-year-old is just weeks into the second season of his two-year deal in France, but the club have let him go after he was sidelined with a knee injury against Montauban in March. This is despite reports that he was due to return to action in the coming weeks.

While the club will pay out the remainder of his contract, he is free to join a new club, with a return to Australia a possibility. Back home, he would potentially be able to stake a claim for a Wallabies recall, add to his 21 caps and feature at a home World Cup.

Due to injuries, the former Rebels and Waratahs forward was limited to just 12 appearances for the Basque outfit, who finished last season in 12th place in the league.

In a brief statement shared on Tuesday, Bayonne wrote: “After a season spent in Bayonne, Rob Leota, in agreement with the club, will leave the professional squad from October 13, 2026.

“Bayonne Rugby thanks Rob for his commitment to the Sky and White colours and wishes him all the best for the rest of his professional career.”

Bayonne, who currently sit in fifth place in the Top 14, will be in the market for a fit replacement to help with both their domestic campaign and their European exploits, which begin this weekend with a visit from the Cheetahs in the Challenge Cup.