Wallabies star set to sign for Premiership club with another potentially on the way but ‘clauses’ to limit Rugby Australia blow – report

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According to reports, Exeter Chiefs could finalise a dramatic triple signing of Aussie stars Len Ikitau, Jake Gordon and Julian McRae ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Devonians have already brought in Wallabies forward Tom Hooper for the new season, but this potential triple signing is a massive lift for Rob Baxter's team, who are currently sitting ninth in the Premiership standings.

Exeter Chiefs set for Aussie triple signing

Ikitau has already signed a deal to head to Exeter's Sandy Park after the Rugby Championship finishes this year, and he'll join the club for nine months before heading back to Australia for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

He could stay in the South West for a second season unless Rugby Australia 'come to the party financially'. In which case, he would return south for the 2027 campaign ahead of the World Cup.

The report also states that Ikitau will have conditions included in his contract to make him eligible for Wallabies selection, and he is likely to continue being included given his indication of returning to Super Rugby.

Centre is one area where Baxter has a strong squad, but Joe Hawkins is reportedly set to return to Wales at the end of the season, while Tamati Tua and Will Rigg were omitted from a list of players who will be retained for the 25/26 season.

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Baxter has been looking to recruit a new scrum-half for some time now, and the club had previously been linked with a move for Sale Sharks player Raffi Quirke and a dramatic return of Exeter fan favourite and fellow Wallaby, Nic White.

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Hooker situation

Hooker Heaven, 24, would be a welcome signing. Dan Frost is already confirmed to be heading for the exit door next season and there's a suggestion that club stalwart Jack Yeandle could also be leaving the club after 13 years.

Heaven might not be the only new recruit to walk through the door at Sandy Park next year, with South African Springboks and Stormers prop Joseph Dweba also tipped to join the club.

Baxter has previously stated that the club are freeing up funds to make a strong push in the market for the new season, and this big spending spree in Australia indicates they are following through with that plan.