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'I thought my Wallabies career was over': Arnold reflects on surprise spring tour call up

1st November, 2021
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1st November, 2021
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Rory Arnold has admitted he thought his days as a Wallaby were over before the relaxation of the Giteau Law resulted in his recall for the Spring tour.

Arnold, a 2.08m-tall lock, joins Will Skelton, Tolu Latu and Kurtley Beale on the European leg of the tour, with the first match against Scotland on Monday morning (AEDT).

Arnold plays club rugby for Toulouse and would have previously not met the criteria of 60 Tests for an overseas-based player, having played his most recent of 26 Tests at the 2019 World Cup.

“I’m just happy and grateful for the opportunity,” Arnold told Agence France-Presse after Toulouse’s Top 14 loss at Racing 92.

“I came over to France thinking my Wallabies career had finished because I didn’t fit the criteria.

“I haven’t been a part of that environment for a couple of years now. They’ve been building nicely as a team, it will be good to link up with them.”

Rory Arnold of the Wallabies looks on

Rory Arnold. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

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Rennie will be keen to get the new players integrated as soon as possible and also shift the narrative after the loss of Quade Cooper, Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon, who chose to go against his wishes and stay with their Japanese clubs.

“I wouldn’t say it’s disappointing. Everyone has tough decisions to make and a few boys had to make them,” Arnold said of the missing trio.

“They wore the jersey proudly so hats off to them. Hopefully we’ll see them back in the gold jersey soon,” he added.

Rennie has said previously that not all three of the Europe-based cavalry will get game time against Scotland.

Arnold will be competing for a place in the match-day 23 with fellow locks Will Skelton, Izack Rodda and Matt Philip.

Rodda was with Lyon last season and Philip was with Pau.

“They seem to like getting us over here in France,” Arnold said.

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“It’s good to see Will doing well in France. Izack and Matt did well when they were here.”

With fullbacks Tom Banks and Reece Hodge injured, Rennie has recalled Beale for the first time since the 2019 World Cup.

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“This is what rugby is all about,” he told AFP. “To represent your country, with and against some of your mates at the highest level it’s a special feeling.

“We’re all grateful to be a part of that. It’s going to be a great opportunity for all next week.”

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