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In yet another boost for Australian rugby, one that could present Eddie Jones with a compelling option for this year’s World Cup, Brandon Paenga-Amosa is set to return home to Australia after signing with the Western Force.
The Roar can reveal that the Montpellier-based hooker agreed to terms recently to sign a long-term deal with the Force.
While it’s unlikely the 27-year-old will be available for the Force next season, it’s understood the former Queensland Reds star will call time on his French Top 14 experience after the 2023-24 season.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa is set to return to Australian rugby after agreeing to terms with the Western Force. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
That would seemingly open the door for Jones to pluck another player from overseas for his World Cup campaign given the hooker is returning to Australia.
In 2015, Michael Cheika was given special dispensation to look beyond Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell to call up Kane Douglas from France because the second-rower had signed with the Queensland Reds. Douglas, who played a key role in Cheika’s Super Rugby success, played a pivotal role for the Wallabies during the campaign but suffered a devastating knee-injury in the World Cup final.
Similarly, in 2019, halfback Nic White was drafted in from Exeter after signing to return to the Brumbies following the 2019-20 season in the English Premiership.
Paenga-Amosa, who debuted under Michael Cheika against Ireland in 2018 and played the last of his 14 Tests against the All Blacks in 2021, built a strong reputation of doing his core responsibilities well for Queensland after being plucked by Brad Thorn in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition.
It’s why Montpellier threw money at the former garbage man and landscaper, who studied theology, to come to France.
The move paid off, with the Wallabies hooker playing a crucial role in their French Top 14 triumph over Pierre Henry Broncan’s Castres in 2022.
Since departing, the Wallabies have had several players hookers pull on the gold jersey but few own it.
Indeed, it remains one of the most open positions with Dave Porecki seemingly in pole position to start at the World Cup but his deputy wide open.
Rebels rake Jordan Uelese was given just 10 minutes off the bench in Sydney last weekend against Argentina, while his Achilles heel – the lineout throw – was brutally exposed against the Springboks a week earlier.
Uncapped Reds hooker Matt Faessler was called into the squad but wasn’t used in either Test. While Wallabies regular Folau Fainga’a and Brumbies hooker Lachlan Lonergan were selected for Australia A.
Whether Paenga-Amosa would have come into the reckoning under Jones, who named five overseas players in his Rugby Championship squad and had Bernard Foley training too, is not yet known because the hooker broke his ankle earlier this year.
But it’s believed the experienced rake is edging closer to full fitness.
While Jones could well stick with those who have been knocking on the door this year in Super Rugby, it doesn’t mean he won’t turn to Paenga-Amosa throughout the World Cup.
After all, the Wallabies will arrive in France on August 18 – the day before the 2023-24 Top 14 season starts.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa played his part in the Wallabies’ win over the All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on November 07, 2020 in Brisbane. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
It means if there are any injuries, Jones won’t necessarily have to call up someone from either the Barbarians or Australia but only Montpellier – a few hours south-west of the Wallabies’ training base in Saint Etienne.
Regardless of whether Jones turns to Paenga-Amosa, the rake’s pending move to the Force is yet another strong piece of business from Force coach Cron.
With Fainga’a leaving for France after signing a short-term deal, he not only gives the Force some international prowess but a player who is well regarded on and off the pitch.
The front-row was one of the Force’s shortcomings in 2023, with Fainga’a battling Achilles issues and the set-piece, particularly the scrum, struggling.
The signing comes off the back of the recruitment of Wallabies Nic White and Ben Donaldson, as well back-rower Will Harris and English Premiership winner Harry Potter.
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.