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Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has urged his teammates to look at the “bigger picture” and commit to Australian rugby through to the 2027 World Cup.
The inspirational No.8, who last year came from the skies to emerge as Joe Schmidt’s first-choice Wallabies skipper after being given the cold shoulder from Eddie Jones 12 months earlier, said his teammates risked being a part of Australia’s revival if they moved overseas.
“It’s already been seen that it’s a risk that if you sign to play overseas, you might give up your Wallabies jersey,” Wilson told News Corp.
“That’s what people have to be willing to do if they sign with an overseas club.
“It’s a massive risk. I know how much the Wallabies jersey means to a lot of us. I hope a lot of people can see the bigger picture here.”
Wilson, who along with fellow Queensland Red Fraser McReight, is off-contract after the 2025 season – but all indications suggest that, whether Schmidt decides to stay or go, he is keen to renew his contract with the Reds.
“That’s the beauty of an agent,” he quipped.
“It takes all the stress off my shoulders. I don’t need to worry about what’s happening. I’m just worried about training here (with the Reds) every day.”
Wilson enjoyed an incredible season in 2024, with his strong form at the Reds seeing him picked as the 90th Wallaby – and Schmidt’s fourth – captain and not look back, captaining the side to a come-from-behind victory in La Plata, then later at Twickenham.
His enthusiasm for the Reds will be welcome news for coach Les Kiss – despite not being selected as Reds’ captain, Wilson is set to form a key part of the 2025 leadership team alongside Reds co-captains Tate McDermott and Liam Wright.
Regarding his national counterpart, however, Wilson believes that, even if Schmidt goes, the New Zealander has put the side as a whole on the right path.
Harry Wilson. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
“The one thing from us guys that played under him last year, and probably the rugby public of Australia as well, is that we appreciate what he’s done for us,” Wilson said.
“We feel like he’s put us on the right way forward. Whatever he decides to do, we’ll respect what he’s done for us in such a short time.”
His sentiments were echoed by McReight – who backed Rugby Australia’s current strategy to only pick home-based players.
“Rugby in Australia is important, which is why Joe and RA have made it very clear about picking Wallabies who are based here,” McReight added.
“It’s a tough one. By playing in France or England, which are tough competitions, if you’re getting better, I don’t see why you can’t get picked (for) Australia, but I also think that we should be picking home-based players.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.