Waratahs prop Angus Bell has joined Wallabies teammate Allan Alaalatoa in committing to Australian rugby through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and another major star is close to also inking a four-year deal.
On the eve of the new Super Rugby season, Bell signing a four-year contract extension is great news for Australian rugby, with the length of the deal also ensuring the 20-Test prop will be on deck for British and Irish Lions tour.
But the celebrations were somewhat muted on Tuesday with news Wallabies lock Izack Rodda fractured his foot in a trial game against Fiji last week in Queensland. It is the same foot Rodda injured last year and saw him miss the entire Wallabies Test season after surgery.
Rodda will see a specialist to determine how long he will be sidelined, but there was already optimism in Perth on Tuesday the injury isn’t as serious as last year’s complaint.
“Izack Rodda has sustained an injury on his right foot during the pre-season match against the Fijian Drua. This is the same foot Rodda had surgery on mid last year,” the Force said in a statement.
“He is currently unavailable for selection with a return to play timeframe developed within the coming days.”
Angus Bell has re-signed with Australian rugby for the next four years.Credit:Getty
Returning from a foot injury that also sidelined him for most of the winter, Bell sat out the Waratahs’ trials and will make his return to action against the Brumbies on Friday at Allianz Stadium. Like Alaalatoa, the man he’ll pack down against in the Super Rugby opener, Bell ignored the prospect of going overseas to extend his contract through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The front-row duo are likely to be joined soon by Brumbies and Wallabies backrower Rob Valetini, who is also negotiating an extension through to 2027.
Bell said he didn’t contemplate leaving Australia, such was the lure of the Lions tour and Rugby World Cup, and the exciting trajectory of the Waratahs.
“Playing at the Waratahs and playing in Australia is something I really enjoy and obviously being close to family is unreal, but mostly I just think there is a massive opportunity for Australian rugby and the Waratahs to grow in sync,” Bell said.
The Wallabies may soon have Rob Valetini, Allan Alaalatoa and Angus Bell all locked away until 2027.Credit:Getty
“The opportunity to play for your country at a home World Cup is something I guess money can’t buy. It’s an amazing opportunity. For a young Aussie footballer coming through the system can see that and definitely strive for that, we are building momentum.
“There wasn’t really any [exploring overseas options]. I knew I wanted to stay in Australian rugby. My love for Australian rugby runs right through my family.
“I definitely wanted to stay and genuinely wanted to have the opportunity to play for Australia. Every time I get the honour of playing for Australia is huge for me.”
“The Waratahs have come so far in the last couple of years, it’s been amazing to see the growth and be a part of the growth.
“I have been playing with these boys are a few years now and we are always aiming to get better as a team. We are striving to get a Super Rugby title.”
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