Wallabies Centre Ikitau to Become a Chief for 2025/26

Exeter Chiefs can confirm the signing of Wallabies centre Len Ikitau from the ACT Brumbies ahead of the 2025/26 season.

At just 26-years-old, the dynamic and powerful centre already has over 100 combined appearances for the Brumbies and the Wallabies. He follows in the footsteps of the likes of Scott Sio as he prepares to try his hand at rugby in the northern hemisphere.

“I am very honoured to be joining Exeter Chiefs for the 2025/26 season,” Ikitau said.

“My family considers us very lucky to get to have this experience abroad with a club that is so iconic and respected, not to mention a place that loves its rugby with passionate fans.

“Speaking to Rob and hearing his plans for the club, and his willingness to work with Rugby Australia for my long-term development, made me confident the move was the right one.

“Rob and the coaching staff have challenged me to take the next step as an on-field leader to drive success for the club. We are very excited to start our UK adventure and we’re looking forward to meeting all the loyal fans.”

The Brisbane-born player has been electric for the Canberra-based Brumbies this season, scoring four tries in seven games so far in the Super Rugby Pacific series.

Growing up in New Zealand, Ikitau returned to Australia in 2012 to attend the prestigious Brisbane Boys College. Upon graduating, the centre was taken into the Tuggeranong Vikings fold, the club having long been a development ground for future Brumbies players – including former Chief, Julian Salvi.

A place within the Brumbies squad was secured for the youngster in 2019 and he went on to make his debut against the Blues that same year. In the time since, Ikitau has amassed over 60 appearances for the club, scoring 22 tries.

His standout performances in Super Rugby caught the eye of international selectors and at 22-years-old, Ikitau made his Wallabies debut against France in July 2021. Narrowly missing out on selection for the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, Ikitau has powered his way back into international favour in recent seasons and now sits on just shy of 40 Wallabies caps.

Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter explained it was Ikitau’s prowess on the field and character off it that drew the Chiefs to move to execute the exciting signing.

“We’re absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to attract a player of Len’s quality and ability to Sandy Park,” Baxter said.

“We’ve got a pretty good history of bringing very good Australians to Devon, and they’ve always done a fantastic job for us. We’re certain that Len could be one of those guys who helps us ignite a very successful season next year.

“He’s without doubt a world-class player, right on top of his form currently in Super Rugby. He’ll have the Rugby Championship and the British and Irish Lions tour coming up before he arrives with us, but having spoken to him, he’s very keen to experience something different.

“He knows quite a few of the Australians who are former Chiefs and had a great experience here, so he’s looking forward to bringing his family and getting stuck into different competitions with us next season.

“We’re very excited for him to be here, we know he’ll add some quality to the squad, which we’re really trying to do going forward. He’s going to be one of those signings that creates a really exciting year for us next season.”

Ikitau will join Wallabies teammate Tom Hooper and former Wallaby Scott Sio in the Chiefs ranks next season.