Ben Donaldson felt the squeeze at the NSW Waratahs.
Now, the two-Test Wallaby is heading west to continue his career where he’ll face another three-way battle to wear the No.10 jersey.
Despite featuring for the Wallabies twice on last year’s Spring Tour under Dave Rennie, Donaldson wasn’t offered a high enough contract by the Waratahs that would make him eligible for a national top-up.
It left the Waratahs and Rugby Australia at odds over Donaldson’s value, particularly as the 24-year-old struggled to get going this season.
Making the strange scenario all the more bizarre, Donaldson played every match for the Waratahs in 2023, including their quarter-final loss to the Blues where the utility back was one of the side’s stronger performers after shifting to fullback to accommodate the fit-again Tane Edmed.
Yet, with Edmed and Junior Wallabies playmaker Jack Bowen already on the books for 2024, the Waratahs decided not to break the bank on keeping a player they weren’t sure whether he’d made the leap from a talented playmaker to world-class leader, who could fulfill their top four ambitions.
The extra money also allowed them to keep the injury-prone, though hard-working and talented, Will Harrison on their books.
Needing a new home, the Western Force have pounced on the Wallaby.
It’s left Eddie Jones happy, with the new Wallabies coach including Donaldson in his training squad earlier in the year. Whether he makes the cut for The Rugby Championship remains to be seen, but his versatility is something that could prove helpful in a World Cup campaign where there’s only 33 spots available.
“Ben is a young player with plenty of potential and his re-signing is positive for Australian rugby,” Jones said.
One person who does think Donaldson can turn potential into world-class performances is Simon Cron, with the second-year coach adding some more depth to his side.
But it’s no guarantee that Donaldson will wear the No.10 jersey, with Max Burey one of Cron’s stronger performers after making his debut for the Force in May. Former Australian Schoolboys star Reesjan Pasitoa, who missed the entire 2023 season after an ACL injury, will also compete for the position.
As a team we need to grow our positional competition. It’s critical that we have competition in each position so when we train the intensity and accuracy tests our execution. Ultimately practice execution becomes game reality.”
“’Dono’ is a world-class player and a great human who will add to our squad,” Cron said.
“In talking with the other 10s, they are excited to have him on-board because it will only make everyone push to be their best.
“He is a triple threat in attack with a running game and kick and pass skill-sets, which means the defence must think. Combine this with his drive to learn and the desire to be his best, we are excited to get him over here.
“We look forward to putting him in different situations and scenarios that will help him develop as a player and give him the structures around him that he needs to be successful.”
Donaldson, too, said he was excited about the move.
“I’m really excited to continue my career in Perth,” he said.
“I’m really impressed by the program that Simon and the coaches are running, and also by the squad that’s developing at the Western Force.
“The team has plenty of talent, playing some unreal footy this season and I’m looking forward to earning the respect of the supporters and my teammates and getting an opportunity to contribute my skills and work ethic to the squad.
“It’s a really exciting time in Australian rugby at the moment and I’m looking forward to continuing to improve as a player and fight for opportunities for higher honours.”
The Force are set to further bolster their squad in the coming days, with former Junior Wallabies back-rower Will Harris set to be announced too.
Harris was a regular in the Waratahs in 2023, but with plenty of back-row talent in the squad failed to find his way into a spot for their final two matches of the year after Lachie Swinton’s return.
A player with strong work rate, Harris can cover blindside flanker and No.8.
piru
Roar Rookie
Don't hurt yourself stretching like that
jeznez
Roar Guru
2000 we got one. If it’s truly NSWRA running the purse, let me just say you are welcome for your one.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Like… Right here in this thread. “Donaldson is one of those players that many (me too) will question why he even gets a top up. “
Wolla Wotsa
Roar Rookie
Well NSWRA and RA are the same entity. They give themselves a bailout every year.
piru
Roar Rookie
When has he ever complained about unworthy players getting top ups? I've only ever seen him say the salary cap is stupid because it excluded top ups, which it is
piru
Roar Rookie
That would be an odd position where the national body wanted to pay him but no Club did! In most countries it would
piru
Roar Rookie
Donaldson won't be playing much 10 in Perth I wouldn't think. Though it will be good to have cover as a couple times this year we ended up with our third and fourth string fly halves playing. He may be more cover for 15
Morsie
Roar Rookie
Brilliant, thanks. Can let a few go on that basis.
Christy Doran
Editor
Yes
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Cec
Roar Rookie
Tahs seem to keep making the same development & retention errors. Letting go of good young players in favour of the next big thing. A bit more pressure just got dumped onto Edmed & Bowen even though there are no guarantees they’ll be world beaters. Tahs spent all that time and resources developing Donaldson to then not look after him after making WB. I guess that makes perfect sense :laughing: Ben has developed a good base of skills to build upon & I hope he launches from here with the Force.
ScottD
Roar Guru
That'll do I reckon. Do you want a job as Force talent scout and recruiter? I'll act as your referee.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
SD, yep, roster spots and salary cap. What's left? The target should be players who attract a national top up, in positions of weakness which coincidentally are Force positions of weakness. Find third party cash for the top up and you're sweet!
ScottD
Roar Guru
Well if we don't get some more props that is probably true
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
News, They probably got more than they expected I would say
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Let's get the trade done!
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Can he play in the front row? :laughing:
ScottD
Roar Guru
No, I think Spink is a keeper.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: C'mon, you've got backs coming out of your flugelhorns! Plus, he won't be running through us because you'll never have the pill! :laughing:
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Eloff for Spink straight trade?