Wallabies star signs new Brumbies, Rugby Australia deal with sabbatical at Premiership outfit
Wallabies and Brumbies centre Len Ikitau.
Rugby Australia (RA) have confirmed that Wallabies and Brumbies centre Len Ikitau has signed a new deal with the governing body and the Canberra-based franchise until the end of the 2027 season.
Included in Ikitau’s new contract is a short sabbatical with Premiership outfit Exeter Chiefs, which he will take from the end of 2025 until the start of the 2026 Test campaign.
Ikitau has been in superb form for the Brumbies in Super Rugby Pacific and the Wallabies in the international arena.
He made his Brumbies debut in 2019 and after some impressive performances at Super Rugby level he was called up to the Wallabies squad, making his Test debut against France in Melbourne in 2021.
A regular for the Wallabies in recent years
Since then Ikitau has made 39 appearances for the Wallabies out of a possible 47 Tests and he expressed his delight with his new deal.
“I’m really happy to have my future sorted and I can now put my full focus in performing well for the Brumbies and hopefully the Wallabies later this year,” said Ikitau.
“I’d like to thank the Brumbies and Rugby Australia for their flexibility in this agreement and my family and I are looking forward to a unique life experience in the UK with Exeter.
“To know we’ll be coming back home to Canberra and the Brumbies is very reassuring, especially with the home Rugby World Cup not far away.”
RA and Brumbies officials are pleased to sort out the flexible deal, which will see Ikitau back at the Brumbies in 2027 and in Australia for the Rugby World Cup on home soil later that year.
“Len has evolved into an important member of the Wallabies and Brumbies and we are thrilled he has recommitted to Australian Rugby,” said RA head of high performance Peter Horne.
“Such is his standing in the game, Len’s services were in high demand by clubs and leagues around the world. But he made clear from the start his desire to be a long-term Wallaby and his excitement to represent his country at a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.
‘The short stint in the UK will prove beneficial’
“We believe the short stint in the UK will prove beneficial to Len’s continued development and look forward to welcoming him back in the Australian Rugby fold before the first Test of the 2026 season.”
Brumbies head coach and Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham echoed Horne’s sentiments and is looking forward to continuing his working relationship with Ikitau.
“Len brings an incredible energy to the group and as I said recently, he’s a world-class centre and I think the best defender in his position across the globe,” he said.
“He’s having another terrific season so far, after making a great impact for the Wallabies on their Spring tour.
“We wish him the best in England next season and will be looking forward to his return here in 2027. However, for now, Len will be focused on securing success for the Brumbies and our fans in Canberra in 2025.”
