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In news likely to have a domino effect, Matt To’omua will travel to Japan and pave the way for the Rebels to pursue two of the biggest names in Australian rugby.
With To’omua released a year early from his lucrative contract, the Rebels prepare to hunt down Wallabies star Samu Kerevi, who is off contract.
He’s not alone, either, with the rebels looking to pounce on the brawls at the Queensland Reds, who are trying to lure Taniela Tupou to Melbourne after next year’s World Cup.
The player movement comes as Rugby Australia moves to a new contract model, with the national body signing up to 35 players themselves. The model has yet to be set in stone, but it will likely come into effect before the 2024 season.
If the Rebels’ wildest dreams came true, the Super Rugby franchise would become an instant force after years of underperforming.
But they face competition to catch both men, not to mention one of Dave Rennie’s key wallabies, with new force trainer Simon Cron also looking to lure Tupou.
Cron was furious to discover Argentina international Santiago Madrano had already booked his ticket from Perth when he agreed to the terms earlier this year.
Cron knows the importance of having a strong, toned head and is on the hunt for a world-class front rower, and rumors have long linked Tupou with a potential move west.
The Force is desperately looking for a marquee player who will not only help improve their roster but also bring some optimism and a winning attitude to their roster.
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But he could be beaten by the rebels, who are hoping the arrival of Reds hooker Alex Mafi will help lure Tupou south.
Tupou was also believed to have a close relationship with former Reds manager Nick Stiles, who was announced as the Rebels’ general manager after the 2021 season.
A move away from the Reds would be a colossal blow to the Reds and the biggest inter-franchise transfer in Super Rugby history.
However, as a source close to the situation said, “ownership is 90 percent.”
Until Tupou makes up his mind about his future, he is the Reds’ jewel to lose and as he will remain with the franchise for next season’s World Cup season, a lot could change by then, especially if there are changes in the High performance build.
A sabbatical in Japan would likely be included in such a deal to help Tupou make up lost dollars by staying in Australia.
In preparation, the Rebels are offering props giant Pone Fa’amausili a one-year extension.
The short-term deal is working for Fa’amausili as he has yet to fulfill his incredible potential after missing the majority of the Super Rugby season through injury.
Fa’amausili has been included in Rennie’s 35-man Wallabies squad and should Tupou miss the Test with a calf injury, the colleague will likely come off the bench to make his debut after several injury-plagued years.
However, if he does appear on the international stage, Fa’amausili will be able to command a staggering price overseas, where narrow-minded props are viewed as gold.
RA might still be tempted to throw the kitchen sink at Fa’amausili, whose damaging run that makes the ball run fast and his massive frame are phenomenal.
The front row isn’t the only area the rebels are eyeing.
Kerevi, who has one season left at Suntory, is considering returning to Australia.
The 30-year-old is the Wallabies’ key defender and is expected to play in midfield at next year’s World Cup regardless of his return to Australia.
Should he return, his return brings an additional benefit.
After RA adjusted their eligibility laws to allow three overseas players to be selected, on his return home Kerevi would allow Rennie to select one of the big woods abroad such as Will Skelton or Rory Arnold to join defenders Marika Koroibete and Quade Cooper add to.
Perhaps even Japan’s Tom Banks or even undisputed star Isaac Lucas could come into play despite leaving Australia less than a season after graduating from the Junior Wallabies as the full-back position is the national team’s greatest weakness.
Lucas, who is said to have re-signed in Japan, was named League One’s Team of the Year despite his side struggling and he could fulfill a Damien McKenzie-like role at the Wallabies.
It is understood Kerevi is aiming for a long-term deal and could be an option to lead the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
RA has to think off the pitch about trying to reward Star Center if they want to lure him home, with his current club Suntory and French clubs lining up to throw the kitchen sink at him.
To’omua’s decision to compete before the World Championship exodus opens up some cash flow.
The two-time World Cup wallaby is expected to move to Japan.
His departure a year after Dane Haylett-Petty retired with a concussion means the rebels suddenly have room to move.
Should they manage to snag at least one of the two names above, they will become a force because they have a lineup of promising players that complement the likes of Rob Leota and Andrew Kellaway.
The Reds are the franchise’s most vulnerable right now and risk losing the strong strides they’ve made in recent years.
The pressure continues to mount on Reds manager and two-time international Brad Thorn, who failed to guide the 2021 Super Rugby AU winners to a win over New Zealand opponents this season.
The Reds were the only Australian side not to record a win over the Kiwi opposition.