no way
Set small text size
no way
Set default text size
no way
Set large text size
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has urged his teammates to look at the “bigger picture” and remain committed to Australian rugby until the 2027 World Cup.
The inspirational No.8, who emerged from the skies as Joe Schmidt’s first-choice Wallabies skipper last year after being given the cold shoulder by Eddie Jones 12 months ago, has said he risks being part of Australia’s revival if his team-mates move overseas. .
“It’s already been established that signing to play overseas puts you at risk of giving up your Wallabies jersey,” Wilson said. News Corp
“If you’re going to sign a deal with an overseas club, people have to be willing to do that.
“There is a huge risk. I know how much the Wallabies jersey means to us. “I hope people can see the bigger picture here.”
Wilson, along with Queensland Reds team-mate Fraser McWright, is out of contract after the 2025 season. But all signs suggest that whether Schmidt decides to stay or leave, he wants to renew his contract with the Reds.
“This is the beauty of being an agent,” he quipped.
“All the stress on my shoulders is gone. You don’t have to worry about what’s going on. “I’m worried about training here (with the Reds) every day.”
Wilson had an incredible season in 2024. After a strong showing for the Reds, Wilson was selected as the 90th Wallaby (and Schmidt’s fourth captain) and did not look back, captaining the team to a come-from-behind victory at La Plata and later captaining the team. At Twickenham.
His passion for the Reds will be welcome news for coach Les Kiss. Despite not being selected to captain the Reds, Wilson is set to form a key part of the 2025 leadership team alongside Reds co-captains Tate McDermott and Liam Wright.
But when it comes to his national team, Wilson believes the New Zealander has gone on the right track overall, even with Schmidt’s departure.
Harry Wilson. (Photo credit: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
“What I’m saying is that our players who played under him last year, and probably the Australian rugby public as well, appreciate what he’s done for us,” Wilson said.
“We feel like he’s put us on the right track. “Whatever he decides to do, we will respect what he has done for us in such a short time.”
His sentiments were echoed by McReight, who supported Rugby Australia’s current strategy of selecting only home-based players.
“Rugby is important in Australia,” McReight said. That’s why Joe and RA were very clear about choosing the Wallabies to be based here,” he added.
“It’s hard work. I don’t know why they can’t select Australia if they get fit after playing in France or England, which have fierce competition, but I think they should select home players. ”
Roar editor Christy Doran traveled to Seattle with VisitSeattle.org to explore the city’s electric sports atmosphere, outdoor adventures and renowned food scene. Click here to see his latest adventures in the Emerald City.
