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Wallabies back-row Harry Wilson to stay in Australia
By AAP
Declaring he never explored other options, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has signed a new four-year deal that will keep him in Australian rugby through 2029.
Wilson rewarded coach Joe Schmidt's trust as he led the Wallabies in seven of their last eight Tests and now he has the 2027 home World Cup firmly in his sights.
The 25-year-old No.8 will also remain with the Queensland Reds for the length of his new deal.
"This is the only place I wanted to be. I want to give the best years of my rugby career to being part of success in the Reds and the gold jersey," Wilson said.
"Being part of a home World Cup is something you dream about.
"I didn't speak to another club. I didn't want to be a Wallabies captain shopping himself around the world," Wilson added.
"I'm the current Wallabies captain. Who am I to tell others to stay in Australia if I'm not signed, sealed and delivered myself.
"I'm delighted. There's no background noise entering the season. I can just play footy and it doesn't get much better than a Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
"My manager said he'd get the deal done before the Reds' first game and he has. It's going to be a beauty against Moana Pasifika on Friday night."
Wilson has 22 Test caps, having struggled to cement his spot in the Wallabies side since his debut in 2020 until getting an extended run under Schmidt.
He played the full 80 minutes in nine of his 10 Tests last year, including every match of The Rugby Championship.
Reds coach Les Kiss was delighted with Wilson's decision.
"It's a great vote of confidence in our Reds program from Harry. What a guy to have as a mentor of our young forwards," Kiss said.
"He's a natural leader. The difference he makes in the locker room is palpable. This news will be welcomed by fans, stakeholders and the whole locker room."
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Latest Comments
That’s a very flip response FL.
Tom Coughlin won the SB at the age of 76, and NFL does not suffer coaching fools gladly. Gregg Popovich is 75 and has been coaching the San Antonio Spurs since 1988 and he’s won five NBA title in three diff decades. Andy Reid is 67 and won the last two SBs with the Chiefs.
And in regard to Les Kiss’s age, well Nick Nurse got his first crack at the NBA in 2019, promptly winning a championship with the Raptors!
Rugby won’t go down the Soccer road and hire-and-fire like it’s the Wild West. It will find the value in older coaches as time passes. And even the manager of Real Marid is Carlo Ancelotti - aged 65!
Go to commentsThe debate was in the context of the Lions squad. Multiple club and national coaches have chosen him (considerably) more often at 7, so there’s enough people fancy he’s good in the role.
The win rates are vitally important for this Lions tour. ‘01/’05/’09 were losses. ‘17 was a draw and ‘21 was a utter disgrace that stained the game. And a loss. They’ve won one test series in 24 years. And just 12 months ago people were worried about how uncompetitive Australia might be. Talk about added pressure.
Farrell is a straight forward, no nonsense type of guy. He’ll probably pick conservatively and with guys in their proven positions. He hasn’t the time for bolters or shock calls. Not with the touring schedule they have.
You haven’t remotely offended me, chief. Not at all.
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