When an Arnold found its way into the media release for Eddie Jones’ first Wallabies squad, plenty were surprised to see Richie, rather than Rory, selected as Jones sends a message to the towering lock.
Richie is one of seven overseas players included by extension to Jones' 33-player squad that will convene on the Gold Coast in April.
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Injured duo Samu Kerevi and Quade Cooper have been included alongside Tom Banks, Will Skelton, Bernard Foley and Marika Koroiebte as the other overseas players, who will join the camp via Zoom.
Richie Arnold has become a centrepiece of French powerhouse Toulouse since making the move in 2019, the definition of a late bloomer after debuting for the Force in 2017 as a 27-year-old.
He started alongside brother Rory in their 2021 Top 14 Final victory over La Rochelle and Skelton, who was also included, and La Rochelle.
With Rory making the move to Japan, the 2.08-metre giant has been crucial in Toulouse's dominant 2022-23 season, sitting on top of the Top 14 table 11 points clear of their nearest rivals.
“He’s a massively tough player. Stade Toulouse build their pack around Richie Arnold,” Jones told reporters.
“I went and met with the coach of Toulouse Ugo Mola and what he brings to their team and his development as a player. He’s a young player by playing experience and training so I feel like he’s one of those players that have a lot of development in him, a lot of growth in him.”
As for Rory, it's his subsequent move - or lack there of - which has irked Jones.
The 30-Test forward signed a lucrative deal with Japanese club Hino Red Dolphins at the end of 2022. However, the club's season was cancelled in March following a wild night by players that left a nightclub trashed, forcing them to withdraw from the Japan Rugby League One competition.
Instead of moving clubs, Arnold opted to stay with Hino and see out the season, which has not gone down well with the Wallabies boss.
“I think he’s working on the factory line at Hino isn’t he?,” Jones remarked.
“I think he’s making those trucks because he’s not playing Rugby at the moment. To get selected, you have to be playing Rugby.
‘We don’t pick players that make Hino trucks.”
One lock who will not join the Wallabies is Arnold's Toulouse teammate Emmanuel Meafou, with the Sydney-born star opting to pledge his allegiance to France.
“He’s a good young boy from the western suburbs of Sydney. He’s decided he wants to play for France," Jones added.
“I had a discussion with him but I only want players that want to play for Australia. If he’s made a decision to play for France, which he has, I wish him all the best and hope he has a great career.
“Do I wish he selected Australia? Not really, because I can’t control that. There’s not much of a story there.”
WALLABIES SQUAD
Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Donaldson, Pone Fa'amausili, Josh Flook, Lalakai Foketi, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Carter Gordon, Ned Hanigan, Reece Hodge, Michael Hooper, Jed Holloway, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Lachlan Lonergan, Ryan Lonergan, Fraser McReight, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Cadeyrn Neville, Jordan Petaia, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Pete Samu, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Brad Wilkin, Tom Wright.
