"World class player" – Wallabies centre confirms move to the Premiership
Yesterday at 02:03 PM
Exeter Chiefs have pulled off a blockbuster signing ahead of the 2025/26 season, snapping up Wallabies star Len Ikitau from the ACT Brumbies.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The electric 26-year-old centre, who already boasts over 100 professional appearances across club and country, will follow in the footsteps of fellow Aussie Scott Sio as he brings his explosive talent to Sandy Park.
"HONOURED" TO JOIN CHIEFS FAMILY
Ikitau, speaking about the switch, couldn't hide his excitement for the new challenge ahead:
"I am very honoured to be joining Exeter Chiefs for the 2025/26 season," he said.
"My family considers us very lucky to get to have this experience abroad with a club that is so iconic and respected, not to mention a place that loves its rugby with passionate fans."
Having spoken to Director of Rugby Rob Baxter, Ikitau was won over by the club's vision — and the opportunity to grow both on and off the field.
"Rob and the coaching staff have challenged me to take the next step as an on-field leader to drive success for the club," he added.
"We are very excited to start our UK adventure and we're looking forward to meeting all the loyal fans."
BRUMBIES TO BRITAIN: THE IKITAU JOURNEY
Born in Brisbane and raised in New Zealand, Ikitau returned to Aussie shores in 2012 to attend Brisbane Boys College. His pathway to professional rugby was classic Brumbies — starring for Tuggeranong Vikings before breaking into the Super Rugby squad in 2019.
He's since racked up 60+ appearances and 22 tries for the Canberra-based club, including four in just seven matches this season alone.
His form earned him a Wallabies call-up at just 22, debuting against France in 2021. Despite narrowly missing out on the 2023 World Cup, he's stormed back into contention and now boasts close to 40 international caps.
Three England Stars Who Could Lose Their Central Contracts
Last October, England handed out 17 enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts as part of the shiny new Professional Game Partnership deal.
It gave head coach Steve Borthwick more control than ever, including the final word on all sports science and medical matters.
Among the big winners were George Ford, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith – all three fly-halves receiving upgraded deals ahead of the autumn internationals.
But fast forward six months, and not all those golden ticket holders are sitting pretty. We take a look at three players who could be on the chopping block ahead of the next round of central contract decisions.
#1. Henry Slade – The Class Act Losing His Place
Slade's silky style has long made him a favourite with fans – but his Six Nations was anything but smooth. Once pencilled in as a midfield maestro, he now finds himself completely out of Borthwick's 23.
His combination with Ollie Lawrence never quite clicked, and although there were flickers of promise, it wasn’t enough to convince the coaches. Slade was ultimately cast aside in favour of Fraser Dingwall, and now his England future – and his central contract – looks seriously uncertain.
Possible replacement: Fraser Dingwall
The mid-Six Nations switch that saw him take Slade’s place has given Dingwall a solid opportunity to make a real push for a long-term role in the squad. A gritty and intelligent player, he's an ideal fit in the centre and could continue his rise with consistent performances.
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