Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

‘I needed change’: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto eyes first Wallabies Test since 2021

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto poses during an Australia Wallabies Portrait Session on June 26, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images for ARU)

In-limbo Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is happy to put his country ahead of club as he fights for a Wallabies recall following a three-year “soul-searching” career change overseas.

ADVERTISEMENT

Salakaia-Loto is in the running for a first Test start since 2021 after returning from an English Premiership stint with Northampton and earning a spot in Joe Schmidt’s maiden Wallabies squad.

The 27-year-old didn’t blink when asked if he thought his Test-playing days might be over after he left the Queensland Reds at the end of 2022.

Video Spacer

Chasing the Sun on RugbyPass TV | RPTV

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      Chasing the Sun on RugbyPass TV | RPTV

      Chasing the Sun, the extraordinary documentary that traces the Springboks’ road to victory at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, is coming to RugbyPass TV.

      Watch now

      “No, not at all,” the 30-Test stalwart said ahead of the Wallabies’ first match of the year against Wales in Sydney on Saturday.

      “I knew that time of my career, back in 2021, I needed a change.

      “I’d spent a big part – all of – my career up in Queensland and I got to the point where I needed change and needed to do a bit of soul searching and overseas was the place for that.

      “So I left knowing that I was going to come back at some stage.

      “Probably not as quick as it probably happened but I knew that, if I had gone away and worked and chipped away on my craft, that coming back I’ll be a better player for it.”

      Salakaia-Loto was gushing in his praise for the help he received at Northampton from English great Courtney Lawes.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      But, ultimately, he credits family life for his new perspective and approach.

      “Had a family, got two kids now with my partner. Just in life in general, it’s made me a better person,” he said.

      Head-to-Head

      Last 5 Meetings

      Wins
      4
      Draws
      0
      Wins
      1
      Average Points scored
      32
      28
      First try wins
      80%
      Home team wins
      60%

      “And that flows on to being a better player.

      “Coming back a bit more older and mature, it’s something that I definitely haven’t taken for granted.

      “I’m just taking each day as it comes and it’s good to be back with the boys that I’ve got a lot of time for and played a lot of rugby with in the past.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      “Hopefully I can make my time this time around better.”

      Salakaia-Loto’s bid for a Wallabies recall comes amid much uncertainty around his club career after Melbourne Rebels’ axing from the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

      The lock hasn’t played since breaking a foot in April, but insists he’s “fit and ready to go” and only focused on the Wallabies.

      The Sydney-born-and-raised talent is an obvious candidate to join the Rugby Australia-owned NSW Waratahs but is remaining coy about where he may end up in 2025.

      “I’m right where my feet is and that’s in camp and that’s what I’m focused on,” Salakaia-Loto said.

      “Once I have an answer, I could probably give you a bit more clarity on that.

      “But, you never know, NBA is a pretty cool sport to get into.

      “All options are open at the moment.”

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Top 10 inspiring Lions speeches

      United States of Rugby | Episode 1 – Welcome to Dawgtown

      Top 10 Best Lions Tries of the 2000s

      Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kubota Spears | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Final | Full Match Replay

      Saitama Wild Knights vs Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Bronze Final | Full Match Replay

      Boks Office | Episode 42 | Investec Champions Cup Final Review

      Spain's Incredible Rugby Sevens Journey to the World Championship Final | HSBC SVNS Embedded | Episode 14

      The Game that Made Jonah Lomu

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      0 Comments
      Be the first to comment...

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      TRENDING
      TRENDING Red Bull's Newcastle deal imminent with Barrett providing inspiration Red Bull's Newcastle deal imminent with Barrett providing inspiration
      Search