Japan bound Koroibete still eyes 2023 RWC
Brisbane: Japan bound Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete says he still has ambitions of representing the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup this is despite taking up a contract in Japan. And last night he was playing against France in front of a mask-wearing crowd at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Koroibete, who has played 34 Tests for the Wallabies since his debut in 2017, announced his departure from the Melbourne Rebels for a stint in Japan’s Top League.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has indicated that under his regime, overseas-based players won’t be parachuted back into the Wallabies. Koroibete is likely to play for the Wallabies for the rest of the year before moving to Japan.
Current rules state two players are allowed to return for international duty but Australian players chasing a greater pay cheque overseas know the trade-off is that they are all but giving up a Wallabies position.
Koroibete, the 2019 John Eales Medallist, has been one of Australia’s most electrifying players in recent times. Despite his move overseas, he still harbours ambitions of appearing at a second World Cup. He opted against discussing why he is departing Australian rugby because his move hasn’t been confirmed publicly.
“I’ll put my hand up if they can change the rule there and bring me back,” Koroibete said.
“If I get an opportunity I’d put my hand up. “I don’t know the rules there. It’s up to the people on the (Rugby Australia) board.
“It (Japan deal) is not confirmed yet. Still waiting for my manager to confirm anything about it and we go from there.
“The structure of how we want to play suits my game,” Koroibete said.
“As a group we want to be winning more games.”
Rugby Australia has been afforded some better luck with news on Saturday the first Test can be played in front of a capacity crowd of 52,000 at Suncorp Stadium.
Initial fears of no crowds being allowed had RA officials concerned on Friday but the Queensland government has lifted a lockdown in Brisbane despite five new locally acquired cases of COVID-19.
Masks will be mandatory for anyone 12 years or over and while a full house isn’t expected, RA will be driving ticket sales in coming days.
“It is pretty good news to hear Brisbane lockdown has been lifted,” France team manager and former national captain Raphael Ibanez said.
“I think it’s something the players dearly missed for the whole season. They’ll be really enthusiastic in the fact they can play in front of a good crowd.”