Blow for Wallabies as Waratahs star further depletes options for Joe Schmidt’s successor with French switch
A bloodied Rob Leota reacts to a Waratahs win in February
Rugby Australia’s player retention drive has suffered another blow as French club Bayonne have confirmed their signing of Wallabies back-rower Rob Leota from the Waratahs.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup pick hasn’t kicked on internationally since Joe Schmidt took over from Eddie Jones after the tournament ended in pool-stage elimination.
However, hopes that Leota would remain in the mix for a possible recall after Schmidt exits the Wallabies following the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour have been dashed as the 28-year-old has decided to quit Super Rugby Pacific.
‘Versatility and power for two seasons’
Tweeting confirmation that they have recruited Leota on a deal that will commence at the start of the 2025/26 Top 14 season in France, Bayonne wrote: “An Australian international on 21 occasions, including participation in the last World Cup in France, he will bring his versatility and power to the front eight for two seasons.”
Leota, who played four times for the Wallabies at France 2023, signed for the Waratahs this season following the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels, the club where he made a 2016 debut.
He has been a starter at blindside in eight of the Waratahs’ nine matches so far in this season’s Super Rugby campaign, scoring three tries.
Leota is just the latest Wallaby to confirm his departure from Australia, following Brumbies ace Noah Lolesio, who will be heading to Japan after the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Fellow Brumby Tom Hooper is set to join Premiership club Exeter Chiefs as well, with Len Ikitau’s switch to the same club yet to be officially confirmed, but the centre is expected to return to Australia after a stint in the United Kingdom.
Langi Gleeson, who was a regular under Schmidt last year, is off to Montpellier, with Julian Heaven also signing for Exeter.
