Overview
- Rugby Australia has officially declared the Giteau Law redundant, granting Joe Schmidt unrestricted access to both overseas-based and domestic players.
- Joe Schmidt’s 35-man Rugby Championship squad includes retained stars Will Skelton and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto alongside un-retired scrum-half Nic White and new call-up Ryan Lonergan.
- Tight-head prop Taniela Tupou faces a final fitness test after a toe injury, compounding front-row shortages following Allan Alaalatoa’s absence and Dave Porecki’s retirement.
- Chief executive Phil Waugh confirms discussions with the R360 league to evaluate its potential impact on talent retention and the domestic game.
- Director of performance Peter Horne says Rugby Australia is bolstering domestic pathways and locking in long-term player contracts through 2028 to deepen the talent pool.