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yesterday

Rugby Australia Scraps Giteau Law as Schmidt Names 35-Man Rugby Championship Squad

Removing the Giteau Law gives Joe Schmidt full freedom to pick overseas players, supporting RA’s push to shore up prop depth ahead of the Rugby Championship.

Rugby Union - Autumn International - Wales v Australia - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - November 20, 2021 Australia's Nic White in action with Wales' Aaron Wainwright Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Will Skelton of the Wallabies evades a tackle during the second test of the series between Australia Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
Rugby player Dave Porecki of Saracens spins a ball during a team practice at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, March 11, 2016. Saracens will face London Irish March 12 at Red Bull Arena in the first ever English Premiership game in the United States. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
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Overview

  • Rugby Australia has scrapped the Giteau Law, granting coach Joe Schmidt unrestricted access to overseas-based players while maintaining a preference for domestic talent of equal calibre.
  • On August 7, Schmidt announced his 35-man Rugby Championship squad, highlighted by forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton alongside a mix of local and foreign-based selections.
  • The Wallabies’ front row faces shortages: Taniela Tupou is doubtful for the opener with a toe injury, Allan Alaalatoa is in six- to eight-week shoulder rehabilitation and hooker Dave Porecki has retired.
  • RA expects to net more than $100 million from the British & Irish Lions tour to help repay existing debt and has opened preliminary talks with the R360 league to monitor its impact on player retention.
  • The policy shift and revenue boost underpin RA’s preparations for the Rugby Championship and long-term goals, including the 2027 home World Cup.