Wallabies and Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio has announced he's leaving Australian rugby to play in Japan, throwing his participation in the upcoming British and Irish Lions series and 2027 Rugby World Cup into doubt.
The 25-year-old flyhalf has signed a one-year deal with a one-year option at an unnamed Japan club, telling his Brumbies teammates of his career move on Friday.
"We've been advised by Noah that he's taking up an offer overseas in 2026. We wish him all the best in the next stage of his rugby career and thank for him for his contribution to the Brumbies," Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson said in a statement.
Lolesio has been the first-choice Wallabies No.10 under current coach Joe Schmidt, starting in nine out of 14 Tests in 2024.
Despite some below-par Super Rugby Pacific form this season, he was expected to steer the side against the Lions, who arrive in Australia for a three-Test series starting in July.
There's no official Rugby Australia stance on players who have signed to play overseas beyond this Super Season being unavailable for Test selection.
However Waratahs backrower Langi Gleeson had his invitation to a national camp earlier this year withdrawn after agreeing to join French club Montpellier for 2026 and 2027.
Other flyhalves to impress this Super season include Western Force star Ben Donaldson, who played at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and Queensland's Tom Lynagh.
Lolesio has played 23 Tests since 2020 but was overlooked by former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.
He has been an integral part of the Brumbies success as their regular starting 10 since making his debut, also in 2020, when they won the Super Rugby AU title.
The Queensland-born product hasn't announced his Japan destination. However former Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper announced last month he was leaving his division two side Kintetsu Liners.
