Wallabies star Len Ikitau has suffered a major harm blow that can see him sidelined till not less than March, dealing an early setback to his sabbatical in English membership rugby.
The 2025 John Eales Medallist had made a powerful impression in his opening 5 appearances for Exeter Chiefs, having joined the Premiership membership late within the yr on a one-year deal following a demanding Australian season.
Ikitau sustained a shoulder harm whereas trying a deal with within the closing phases of Exeter’s conflict with Saracens, with the incident coming after what has already been an exceptionally heavy workload throughout Tremendous Rugby Pacific and Take a look at rugby in 2025.
Exeter have confirmed the centre would require surgical procedure, with the membership indicating the harm will rule him out of motion till not less than March.
The setback comes at an unlucky time for each membership and nation, with Ikitau having rapidly established himself as a key determine in Exeter’s midfield and coming off a season wherein he was recognised as Australia’s greatest participant, following a constant run of performances in Wallabies gold.
The harm provides to what proved to be a irritating 2025 for Wallabies followers, with Australia’s backline closely affected by accidents all year long. Lengthy-term absences to Tom Wright and Tate McDermott examined depth throughout the again three and halves, whereas additional disruption got here by way of shorter-term accidents to gamers together with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, contributing to ongoing choice modifications and an absence of cohesion.
Ikitau’s absence was felt at any time when he was unavailable, together with his expertise and composure taking part in a key function in stabilising the Wallabies midfield. His management alongside youthful playmakers and rising combos had grow to be an necessary component of Australia’s rebuild as consideration begins to show towards the 2027 World Cup.
