Rugby Australia Ends Giteau Law for Wallabies

Rugby Australia has officially scrapped the 'Giteau Law,' ending restrictions on selecting overseas-based players for the Wallabies and granting head coach Joe Schmidt full freedom in naming his Rugby Championship squad. This policy, which takes immediate effect, comes as top Australian players like Will Skelton, Tom Hooper, and Taniela Tupou have signed with European clubs. Previously, only players with significant Test and Super Rugby experience could be chosen if playing abroad, but now all overseas-based Australians are eligible. Rugby Australia's director of high performance, Peter Horne, called the Giteau Law 'redundant,' highlighting the goal to maximize Australia’s talent pool and strengthen international competitiveness. While Schmidt may still favor domestic players of equal quality, the change is seen as a strategic move ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil under incoming coach Les Kiss. The open selection policy aligns Australia's approach with other leading rugby nations.