Len Ikitau drops Exeter Chiefs return hint as ‘behind the scenes’ chats revealed
Len Ikitau (pictured) is open to a return to Exeter Chiefs in 2027
Wallabies ace Len Ikitau admits he would be open to returning to Exeter Chiefs at some point in the future, and is already holding informal discussions in the background.
Ikitau arrived at Sandy Park partway through the current campaign on a year-long sabbatical deal, alongside fellow Wallaby Tom Hooper, but will head back to Australia at the end of the season to rejoin the Brumbies.
The Wallabies centre has not had an easy ride of it at Sandy Park since arriving, missing three months of the season with a shoulder injury, but has already become a firm fan favourite at the Chiefs with two tries in his eight appearances.
Len Ikitau open to second Exeter Chiefs spell
While Ikitau has a contract to honour with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies at the end of the season, his deal with the union expires at the end of 2027, which does throw up the possibility of a return to Sandy Park post-World Cup.
That window of opportunity has already alerted the star centre, who admits this season is not the end of his journey in the English South West.
“I’ve got a contract to go back to in Australia (next season), but looking towards 2027, there’s a potential chance of coming back if things fall into place,” said Ikitau. “I’ve loved my time here, I’ve really enjoyed it and my family have really enjoyed it. Hopefully, this isn’t the end.
“I just think it’s the people in the club, they’ve made us feel so welcome. Being part of the group, you share a lot with the boys and the staff; it’s contagious, to be honest.
“You want to be a part of it, and seeing how we’re going across the year and pushing towards finals footie has been awesome for us. I’ve just been enjoying it.
“That was a main reason I came over, there were a lot of Aussie boys here, but everyone in the group has made me so welcome. But I’ve clicked my fingers and I’m near the end of my contract and heading back to Australia. Still got four or five more games, and we’ve got a lot of memories to make.”
His words also follow those of Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter, too, who detailed that he would be more than willing to have the Wallabies centre at Sandy Park again.
“We’ve had brief conversations,” the DoR told members of the media earlier this week. “But the challenge is we have made some longer-term signings, in Will Butt and Dallas McLeod. So, it’s not as simple as getting those deals done now. But I think Len would be very open to it.”
“He’s really enjoyed his time here, and without doubt, if it’s something we can look to do in the future, I don’t think I’ll have any of the coaching team saying they wouldn’t like to get him back. I’m pretty certain they would.”
‘It’s just about sitting back, waiting and hoping it all falls into place’
With both parties interested in getting something sorted for 2027, informal talks have already taken place regarding a return at the end of his Rugby Australia contract.
“It’s been going on behind the scenes with my manager,” Ikitau detailed. “I told him how much I’ve enjoyed my time here and said if there was any possibility of coming back would he look into it. It’s all on his shoulders, really.
“There’s a lot of good centres coming through at the club and some players coming from other clubs, so it’s just about sitting back, waiting and hoping it all falls into place. If it doesn’t, then it doesn’t, but I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”
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