The Wallabies secure another key piece for their path to the Rugby World Cup, with the talented Ben Donaldson extending his contract for two years with Western Force.
Donaldson will remain in Perth until 2027, which could lead to a showdown with Queensland Reds fly-half Tom Lynagh for the number 10 position in the global tournament to be held in Australia in two years.
With Noah Lolesio’s departure abroad at the end of this year, Donaldson’s retention is a crucial move for Rugby Australia and the Force, who will face the Waratahs in Perth this weekend.
Donaldson is in his second season in the west, after leaving the Waratahs at the end of 2023, where he finished the World Cup as Eddie Jones’s main playmaker. However, the landscape has changed significantly since then with Carter Gordon in the NRL and Lolesio heading to Japan. Donaldson, who only started in two test matches in 2024 under Joe Schmidt, will now seek to consolidate his position more permanently.
I’ve been here for two years and I’ve loved my time at WA. We have a great group of guys at the Force, with the core signing for several more years, which is exciting to know where we can get to as a group. I’m thrilled to be staying in Australian rugby with the Lions tour later this year, as well as the Bledisloe Cup here in Perth. Obviously, there’s also the draw of the 2027 World Cup, which is extremely motivating. I’ve been part of the Wallabies team in recent times and it’s a strong group with a good coaching unit, so I hope to continue to be a part of that in the future with those big games and events to come.
Ben Donaldson
Donaldson’s extension comes after another key Force player, flanker Carlo Tizzano, also signed a two-year deal to stay in his home city. Tizzano deputised for Fraser McReight at number 7 for the Wallabies on several occasions last year, impressing with his defence, in particular, during the Rugby Championship.
These renewals are in addition to those of backs Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright, who signed new two- and three-year contracts with the Reds and the Brumbies, respectively, and with Rugby Australia.
Waratahs captain Jake Gordon also recently signed a new two-year contract, a series of renewals that come after the Wallabies’ coaching succession plan was finally finalized earlier this month.
Donaldson is expected to join all those who have re-signed in an extended Wallabies squad that will prepare for the match against Fiji, two weeks before the first match against the British & Irish Lions, when it is announced after the latest Australian teams exit Super Rugby Pacific.
Ben is a good young player and a great example of how the Australian rugby development system works. He has gained good experience in both Super Rugby Pacific and at test level in recent years and we are eager to see him continue to work hard and develop his game.
Peter Horne, RA’s Performance Director
