Wallaby inside centre Len Ikitau admits that the prospect of incomes hundreds of thousands with R360 isn’t sufficient of a lure for him to overlook the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which is being held on dwelling soil.
Ikitau has simply landed in Devon to take up his £400,000 short-term take care of the Exeter Chiefs however received’t be thought of to face Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on Saturday after solely becoming a member of his team-mates for coaching on Thursday afternoon.
As a substitute, he’s set to make his debut in opposition to Harlequins subsequent weekend when he will probably be joined by his Wallabies team-mate Tom Hooper, who arrives within the nation on Sunday.
Earlier this week, main rugby unions, together with Australia, mentioned that anybody who joins the breakaway league received’t be accessible for worldwide choice, and Ikitau, who was approached to enroll, says the dangers outweigh the rewards.
“It seems to be like it will be an thrilling competitors. It’s too dangerous that each one the nationwide unions are saying, ‘If you happen to play in that competitors, you possibly can’t play within the World Cup.’ You’re sort of weighing up your choices.
“I really feel like a brand new competitors for rugby can be superior, however being part of it, who is aware of? I feel my supervisor’s been in contact, however I’m right here with Exeter, after which I’m again with the Brums subsequent yr.”
“It sells itself having the ability to play in a Rugby World Cup, however in Australia, I don’t assume you get the chance once more in case you miss out on it.
“So simply having that behind my thoughts, wanting to have the ability to signify Australia within the 2027 World Cup, is one thing I wish to do, 100 per cent,” he mentioned.
Ikitau has already picked out certainly one of his new team-mates that he can’t wait to work with – England star exterior centre Henry Slade – in what guarantees to be an impressive partnership.
“I wish to study from him. He’s a extremely good kicker, so I wish to discover ways to kick the ball like him and possibly a little bit of goalkicking. Decide his mind, however I’m getting previous. I simply wish to deliver my experiences and add worth to the staff.
“Another excuse I wished to come back right here is as a result of I wished to develop my recreation, and I do know that enjoying within the Premiership, I’m solely going to get higher as a participant.
“It will get chilly right here, so I’m going to must muscle up within the center. That’s an space I actually wish to enhance and get higher at,” he added.
