IZACK RODDA RE-SIGNS WITH WALLABIES AND WESTERN FORCE UNTIL THE END OF 2024

Mar 1 • Australia, General News, International, National • 791 Views • Comments Off on IZACK RODDA RE-SIGNS WITH WALLABIES AND WESTERN FORCE UNTIL THE END OF 2024

Rugby Australia and the Western Force are delighted to announce Izack Rodda has re-signed until the end of 2024.

At just 25-years-old, the Wallabies lock has already represented his country on 34 occasions and was a member of Australia’s 2019 Rugby World Cup squad.

Born in Lismore, Rodda grew up in Evans Head in Northern New South Wales, before completing his schooling at Ipswich Grammar School in Queensland where he was selected in the 2014 Australian Schoolboys side.

He would then go on to represent the Australian Under 20s side in 2016, while at the same time honing his craft with Queensland Country in the National Rugby Championship.

His Super Rugby debut would follow soon after, named for the Queensland Reds in their opening fixture of the 2017 season.

He remarkably made his first International appearance in the same year, playing four Tests for the Wallabies in 2017.

Known for having a big engine, Rodda would go on to start in every Wallabies Test of 2018 and was rested for just two in the Rugby World Cup year of 2019.

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Rodda made the decision to move to France and played one season with Lyon before signing to return to Australian Rugby and the Western Force from the 2022 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season.

Rodda earned a recall to the Wallabies squad last year where he again proved his standing as one of the world’s leading second rowers.

Wallabies and Western Force lock, Izack Rodda said: “I’m really excited to commit long term to the Wallabies and the Western Force.”

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last six months or so, firstly with the Wallabies last year and now with the Force in Super Rugby Pacific.

“It feels to me like both teams are building something special and that’s something I’m looking forward to being a part of.”

Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos said: “Izack’s re-signing is a real positive for Australian Rugby moving forward.”

“He plays in a specialist position and has chosen to stay in Australia to further his International career and help bring success to the Wallabies and the Western Force.

“Rugby Australia’s priorities continue to be targeting and retaining the best Rugby talent in the country.”

Wallabies coach, Dave Rennie said: “We’ve been really impressed with Izack’s attitude and work rate since coming into the environment last year.”

“He’s a world class lock and his long-term commitment to Australian Rugby can’t be understated.

“While just 25 years old, he’s played nearly 40 Tests and has already been to a World Cup.

“His confidence has grown as a leader and that’s evident in the impact he’s having at Test level and at the Force.”

Western Force General Manager of Rugby, Matt Hodgson said: “Izack brings a great level of Super Rugby and international experience, which we are very excited to have at the Force.”

“It’s fantastic for us and Australian Rugby to have elite international players like Izack commit to being a part of our club moving forward.

“As an organisation we are working to become the leading Rugby club in the world and attracting talented players like Izack will help us in that journey.”

Izack Rodda
Position: Lock
Height: 202cm
Weight: 118kg
Born: 20 August 1996
Place of birth: Lismore, New South Wales
Super Rugby debut: 2017 v Sharks, Brisbane (Queensland Reds)
Super Rugby caps: 2 (Western Force); 46 (Queensland Reds)
Test debut: 2017 v New Zealand, Dunedin
Test caps: 34