Australia’s Len Ikitau sets his sights on World Cup spot after deciding to leave Exeter Chiefs

The 27-year old centre, who joined Exeter Chiefs last year after the end of the Rugby Championship, missed out on the 2023 tournament after suffering a shoulder injury against Argentina 10 weeks before it started.

The Wallabies went on to endure their worst World Cup campaign, failing to qualify for the quarter-finals after losing to Wales and Fiji, but they have slowly picked themselves up as they showed in a competitive series with the Lions last summer.

Ikitau has been a major factor in the revival, forming a dangerous midfield partnership with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, and while he would be happy to remain in Exeter, he is rejoining the Brumbies to optimise his chances of making the World Cup.

Main reason

“It is the main reason I am going back,” he said. “I want to put myself in the best position of making the team.

“The rule used to be that three overseas players could be picked. They cancelled it then put it back and I am not sure where I am at now.

“I do not want to miss the World Cup, especially as it is at home. It will be a special event and as Australians, we do not want to let our people down. Everything starts now in terms of preparation.

“It was disappointing to miss out in 2023 but the flip side was that I got to go on on the Barbarians tour and play in England, taking on Gloucester, Harlequins and a few others.

“It was one of the best trips I have been on.”

On his way: Len Ikitau in action for Exeter against Bath
PICTURES: Getty Images

Amazing players

Ikitau has used his time with the Chiefs to assess the strength of Steve Borthwick’s team – the only other time Australia were World Cup hosts in 2003, England defeated Australia in the final.

“They should be among the contenders,” he said. “They won 12 in a row not so long ago and they are a hard team to beat.

“I can see that they have some amazing players coming through and some young ones, too. We shall see next year.”

“It has been awesome to work with Sladey, and Harvey Skinner (left),” said Ikitau, who won the first of his 47 caps in 2021.

“I have not seen anyone work as hard without the ball as Sladey, his kicking is world class and watching him go has been awesome.

“England had to pick on form and he is probably the form centre.

“It was disappointing that he did not get a game in the Six Nations, but he shrugged it off and the way he has been playing is a credit to him as a player and as a person.”

Midfield partner: Henry Slade

Return

Ikitau is open to a return to Exeter after the World Cup and has had talks with the club’s director of rugby, Rob Baxter.

“There is a chance if everything falls into place, but by then there might not be a position for me with the likes of Zac Wimbush (below) coming through,” he said.

“I have loved my time here and so has my family – let’s hope it is not the end.

“I am upset to have missed four months of the season through injury, but pushing for finals footy has been awesome.

“Everyone loves their rugby here. Anyone who gets the chance to play a different brand of footy should take it.

“I am 28 this year and experiencing the Prem has been awesome.”