‘He’s a pacesetter’: Wallabies No.10 softens Noah blow by means of locking in 2027 World Cup

Wallabies No.10 contender Ben Donaldson has agreed a brand new maintain the Wallabies and Western Force.

Rugby Australia introduced on Friday that Donaldson had signed a brand new contract re-committing to Australian rugby till the tip of 2027.

Donaldson, who performed all 4 video games on the 2023 World Cup, slipped in the back of Noah Lolesio within the pecking order closing season below Joe Schmidt, even supposing he featured in 9 of the 13 video games.

Lolesio’s determination to depart for Japan may just transparent the best way for extra of a number one function for Donaldson this yr, with Joe Schmidt having proven he personal tastes avid gamers dedicated to staying in Australia.

After making his Super Rugby Pacific debut with the Waratahs in 2020, Donaldson moved to the Force following the 2023 World Cup, and was once named the membership’s perfect participant in making a right away have an effect on, profitable the membership’s 2024 Nathan Sharpe medal for participant of the season.

Donaldson’s re-signing follows an important selection of key Wallabies who’ve re-committed to Australian rugby this yr till a minimum of the house Rugby World Cup in 2027.

On Thursday it was once showed that his membership teammate Carlo Tizzano was once additionally locked in.

Donaldson mentioned in a commentary: “I’m extremely excited to re-commit to the Western Force and Australian Rugby.

“I’ve been here two years now and loved my time in WA. We’ve got a great group of boys at the Force with the core having signed on for several more years which is exciting about where we can go as a group.

“I’m delighted to be staying in Australian rugby with the Lions Tour later year as well as a Bledisloe Cup here in Perth. There’s obviously also the lure of the home 2027 World Cup, which is extremely motivating.

“I’ve been part of the Wallabies squad in recent times and it’s a strong group with a good coaching unit, so hopefully I continue to be part of that moving forward with those big games and events to come.”

Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne added: “Ben is a good young player and a strong example of the Australian rugby pathways system at work.

“He’s earned good experience at both Super Rugby Pacific and Test level in recent years and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to work hard and develop his game.”

Western Force Head Coach Simon Cron mentioned: “It’s great to have Dono stay on. He’s a big part of our squad, big part of our team.

“He’s a leader in our group and a core member of driving the Western Force forward.

“I know he’s disappointed, like I am, about some of the close games this year, but if we can keep the core playing group together, it’s going to hold us in great stead moving forward.

“Most importantly he’s an amazing human who continues to thrive in WA and we’re looking forward to helping him continue his journey both with us and the Wallabies.”