The Wallabies have run off yet another important signature for their run to the Rugby World Cup. Western ForcePlay Maker Bendonaldson has entered the two-year extension.
Donaldson would remain in Perth until 2027, and possibly set up a showdown with Queensland Reds’ fly half Tomurina for the right to wear the 10th jersey at Australia’s Global Showpiece two years later.
With Noah Lolesio heading abroad later this year, Donaldson retention is a key business for Rugby Australia and The Force.
Donaldson has made his second season in the West after departing Waratah at the end of 2023, finishing the World Cup as Eddie Jones’ central playmaker. However, the landscape has shifted significantly since then, with Carter Gordon heading to the NRL, Lolesio heading to Japan, and Donaldson, who began two Tests under Joe Schmidt in 2024, is trying to push his point up more permanently.
“I’ve been here for two years now and loved my time in Washington. We have a great group of boys in the power that has been signed on for several more years, an exciting core about where we can go as a group,” Donaldson said.
“I’m happy to be staying in Australia’s rugby and staying in the Lions Tour later in Perth at the Bredithroe Cup. Obviously there’s also a lure for the Home 2027 World Cup.
“I’ve been part of the Wallabies team recently and are a strong group with great coaching units. So I hope I will continue to be part of moving forward in the big games and events ahead.”
The Donaldson extension comes after another important force player, backlower Carlo Tizzano. Tizano represented multiple occasions last year for Fraser McWright of the Wallabies’ 7th Jersey, particularly impressed his defense during the Rugby Championship.
The re-signs also follow Reds and Brumbies, and Rugby Australia, respectively, and Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright, on the outer backs, inked three years of new deals.
Waratha skipper Jake Gordon also put the pen on paper on his recent new two-year deal. The re-signed splate that will come after the Wallabies coaching succession plan was finally finalized earlier this month.
Donaldson is expected to join all those who re-signed the Extended Wallabies squad to prepare for the test against Fiji, two weeks away from the first test with the British and Irish Lions, when the final Australian team was named after leaving Super Rugby Pacific.
“Ben is a good young player and a strong example of Australia’s rugby pathway system in the workplace,” said RA Performance Director Peter Horn.
“He has gained good experience in both Super Rugby Pacific and Test levels in recent years and we look forward to him continuing to work hard and developing the game.”