ACT Brumbies flyhalf Noah Lolesio is hoping his form will be enough to retain his spot in the Wallabies squad as he confirmed his future overseas.
Lolesio announced he will take up a deal with an unnamed Japanese club in 2026.
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“I’m excited for the future, but at the same time, it’s going to be sad leaving this place. I'm happy it’s all sorted and can focus on the season,” said Lolesio at a press conference on Monday.
“I’m 25 now. I had to weigh up what my family, partner and I wanted. I was just tossing and turning and that’s why this process took pretty long because it took some serious time to think about my future.
“I know it’s not ideal leaving at this time but I’m fully happy and content. The door’s never fully closed, but the next year is sorted out, which is relieving and stress free.”
Lolesio understands his decision places his Wallabies position in jeopardy after emerging as Joe Schmidt's main playmaker in 2024.
But the 25-year-old is hopeful he can produce good enough form to force Schmidt to pick him.
“It was a tough phone call. I thanked him for what he’s done for me, especially last year,” he said on his call to Schmidt.
“He’s been open about ‘Hoops’ and Langi (Gleeson) and not picking them but look at them now. They’re probably up there with one of the best forwards in Australia for this season.
“He said something similar to me. But he also said the door’s never shut as well. I’ve just got to my best foot forward for the Brumbies and see what happens.
“He said ideally he wanted me to stay and he’s obviously got to factor in the future for boys that want to stay in Australia, which is, again, fair enough. But he also said that the window’s not fully closed as well. It’s the same as every year.”
Lolesio has had a tough start to the season after missing several games with a concussion.
It's allowed Tom Lynagh and Ben Donaldson to press their claims for a starting berth after guiding their respective teams into the top four of Super Rugby Pacific.
Lynagh and Lolesio will likely battle it out on Saturday, with the Reds playmaker scoring off the bench in their defeat to the top-ranked Chiefs.
“‘Turbo’ has been playing very well, I’ve been really impressed with how he’s playing," Lolesio added.
“He’s definitely taken a step up from last year but you can’t get too focused on one-on-one battles as a flyhalf. I’ve learnt that in the past.
“The focus is on how the opposition teams defend and how you manipulate them the best you can.
“It’s a great challenge and I’m sure ‘Turbo’ will have a great game as well.”
