WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Noah Lolesio's decision to take up a contract in Japan next year has posed another challenge to head coach Joe Schmidt as he assembles a Wallabies squad to play the British and Irish Lions in July.
The 32-test veteran likely was the leading candidate to be the starting flyhalf for the Wallabies in this important season for Australian rugby.
His pending move from the Canberra-based Brumbies to a Japanese club came as a surprise to local rugby followers when it was announced on Friday, and will test Schmidt’s resolve to deal sternly with players who choose overseas contracts ahead of the national jersey.