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Opinion
With six rounds completed of Super Rugby Pacific, teams are already busy firming their rosters for 2023. Contract extensions of numerous Wallabies, including Izaia Perese have been announced but it is the return home of overseas Australians that any fans are keen to hear, with so far Kurtley Beale the highest profile return.
Only a year ago there would have been a clamouring of fans wanting their team and Rugby Australia to bring home some of the overseas talent. However it is testament that with the emergence of young talent across all of the Australian teams, in particular the 2019 Junior Wallabies, the necessity to bring lots of these players back home is less.
The likes of Sean McMahon, Liam Gill, and Adam Coleman, who would of course add to the current Australia teams, are now no longer the drawcard that they may have been only a season ago.
Leaving aside players that have recently moved such as Marika Koroibete and Rory Arnold or have publicly signed long term contracts such as Will Skelton, which players could the Australian Super Rugby franchises be looking at for 2023?
Isaac Lucas
In his second season at the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan, Lucas has played predominantly as a fly half, and would be a notable addition for the Brumbies.
He would have the chance to put pressure on Lolesio for the starting 10 jersey and his ability to play full back would provide an ideal replacement for Banks. The Reds are also in need of quality cover at 10, however there is little chance that the Reds will take Lucas back following the acrimonious split.
Samu Kerevi
Kerevi would no doubt improve any of the five Super Rugby teams. However with the Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies having fairly settled centre partnerships, he would provide the most value for either the Force or Rebels.
For the Force he could slip into the 12 jersey with Kyle Godwin outside or play as a 13 with Bayley Kuenzle inside. For the Rebels he would be an option in the 13 jersey playing outside Matt To’omua or Ray Nu’u.
(Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
Harry Hockings/ Miles Amatosero/Emmanuel Meafou
Australian rugby has seen a number of world class locks head overseas in recent years, however the emergence of players such as Nick Frost, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams, and Tom Hooper has shown that there is still a lot of depth.
With Jeremy Thrush moving closer to hanging the boots up, the Force could use an enforcer in the second row. Amatosero and Meafou have been steadily racking up game time for Clermont and Toulouse respectfully and both have a bright future ahead.
Rugby Australia would also be aware that France could be looking at both players as an option to change nationalities once they have completed the required residency requirement. Hockings in his second year with the Suntory Sungoliath would be another option to reignite his partnership with Rodda from their time at the Reds.
In addition to the above, a notable mention for Louis Lynagh who would be a huge get for Australian Rugby and would be another great option for the Reds as a full back/wing option.
However all signs point towards him being selected or the July series – which would be a classic Eddie Jones move to have Lynagh debut for England against the Wallabies.
We shall see over the coming months which overseas players will be enticed back to Australia and have a crack at the 2023 World Cup and 2025 Lions series.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.