Wallabies veterans eyeing Super swansong in World Cup year
Veteran Wallabies playmakers Bernard Foley and James O'Connor are considering a return to Super Rugby in 2027 ahead of the Rugby World Cup, as both near the end of their overseas contracts. Despite reports suggesting Foley's retirement, his agent confirms he is weighing multiple offers, including potential interest from the Waratahs and Reds. O'Connor, too, has been in contact with Australian teams and is open to a homecoming, though no formal offers have been made. The prospect of playing in a World Cup year is drawing several Australian players back from overseas stints.
- ▪Bernard Foley and James O'Connor, with 144 combined Wallabies caps, are finishing their contracts with Kubota Spears and Leicester Tigers in June 2026.
- ▪Foley's agent denies retirement reports, stating he is actively considering playing options, including potential Super Rugby roles with the Waratahs and Reds.
- ▪O'Connor has had informal discussions with Australian clubs and is also linked with a move to the Sharks in South Africa.
- ▪The Waratahs and Reds are evaluating playmaker options, with uncertainty around Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips remaining.
- ▪Junior Wallabies' Finn Mackay showed promise at No.10, while Australia's 2027 home World Cup is influencing return considerations for several players.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.
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