Overview

• Rugby Australia’s board has formally abolished the Giteau Law, giving coach Joe Schmidt unrestricted access to overseas-based players while maintaining a preference for locally based talent of equal calibre.
• High-profile overseas stars such as Will Skelton, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Tom Hooper and Langi Gleeson remain eligible for selection under the new open policy.
• Veteran prop Allan Alaalatoa is sidelined for six to eight weeks with a shoulder injury and Taniela Tupou’s toe injury further depletes the Wallabies’ front-row depth ahead of the Rugby Championship opener.
• Rugby Australia has opened preliminary discussions with the proposed R360 breakaway league over concerns that it could undermine player retention and contractual commitments.
• The Wallabies will depart on Friday for Johannesburg to face world champion Springboks in their Rugby Championship opening Test on August 17.