Wallabies No.10 contender Ben Donaldson has agreed a new deal with the Wallabies and Western Force.
Rugby Australia announced on Friday that Donaldson had signed a new contract re-committing to Australian rugby until the end of 2027.
Donaldson, who played all four games at the 2023 World Cup, slipped behind Noah Lolesio in the pecking order last season under Joe Schmidt, although he featured in nine of the 13 games.
Lolesio’s decision to leave for Japan could clear the way for more of a leading role for Donaldson this year, with Joe Schmidt having shown he preferences players committed to staying in Australia.
After making his Super Rugby Pacific debut with the Waratahs in 2020, Donaldson moved to the Force following the 2023 World Cup, and was named the club’s best player in making an immediate impact, winning the club’s 2024 Nathan Sharpe medal for player of the season.
Donaldson’s re-signing follows a significant number of key Wallabies who have re-committed to Australian rugby this year until at least the home Rugby World Cup in 2027.
On Thursday it was confirmed that his club teammate Carlo Tizzano was also locked in.
Donaldson said in a statement: “I’m extremely excited to re-commit to the Western Force and Australian Rugby.
“I’ve been here two years now and loved my time in WA. We’ve got a great group of boys at the Force with the core having signed on for several more years which is exciting about where we can go as a group.
“I’m delighted to be staying in Australian rugby with the Lions Tour later year as well as a Bledisloe Cup here in Perth. There’s obviously also the lure of the home 2027 World Cup, which is extremely motivating.
(Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
“I’ve been part of the Wallabies squad in recent times and it’s a strong group with a good coaching unit, so hopefully I continue to be part of that moving forward with those big games and events to come.”
Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne added: “Ben is a good young player and a strong example of the Australian rugby pathways system at work.
“He’s earned good experience at both Super Rugby Pacific and Test level in recent years and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to work hard and develop his game.”
Western Force Head Coach Simon Cron said: “It’s great to have Dono stay on. He’s a big part of our squad, big part of our team.
“He’s a leader in our group and a core member of driving the Western Force forward.
“I know he’s disappointed, like I am, about some of the close games this year, but if we can keep the core playing group together, it’s going to hold us in great stead moving forward.
“Most importantly he’s an amazing human who continues to thrive in WA and we’re looking forward to helping him continue his journey both with us and the Wallabies.”
