Star centre Len Ikitau will be available for the next World Cup after re-signing with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies until the end of 2027.
The 26-year-old signed a flexible deal with RA that allows him to take a sabbatical with the Exeter Chiefs in the UK Premiership beginning in late 2025, before he returns to Australian rugby ahead of the 2026 international season.
Making his Test debut against France in Melbourne in 2021, Ikitau has earned 39 caps and played 69 Super Rugby matches for the Brumbies.
While he was a shock omission from the 2023 World Cup, Ikitau was a regular starter under Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt last year.
He capped a strong 2024 campaign with a stellar spring tour, that saw him capture headlines for his audacious flick pass that sent Max Jorgensen over for the Wallabies' match-winning try against England at Twickenham.
"I'm really happy to have my future sorted and I can now put my full focus in performing well for the Brumbies and hopefully the Wallabies later this year," Ikitau said in a statement.
"I'd like to thank the Brumbies and Rugby Australia for their flexibility in this agreement and my family and I are looking forward to a unique life experience in the UK with Exeter.
"To know we'll be coming back home to Canberra and the Brumbies is very reassuring, especially with the home Rugby World Cup not far away."
RA's director of high performance Peter Horne said they believed an overseas stint would be good for Ikitau's development.
"Such is his standing in the game, Len's services were in high demand by clubs and leagues around the world but he made clear from the start his desire to be a long-term Wallaby and his excitement to represent his country at a home Rugby World Cup in 2027," Horne said.
"We believe the short stint in the UK will prove beneficial to Len's continued development and look forward to welcoming him back in the Australian rugby fold before the first Test of the 2026 season."
