TRANSFER TRACKER: Wallaby star's new team revealed after NFL exit
TRANSFER NEWS: Jordan Petaia has signed a short-term deal with French rugby club Perpignan just weeks after his sudden NFL exit.
The 31-Test Wallabies star inked a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this year but was waived and placed on the injured reserves list.
A hamstring injury was behind the 25-year-old, two-time World Cup talent’s fall from grace at the Chargers.
He’ll be back in action in the Top 14, due to arrive in the south of France by October.
Petaia had left long-time Super Rugby club Queensland Reds with their blessing and the nine-month deal leaves his options open ahead of the 2027 World Cup on home soil.
But the lucrative R360 competition could also be an option for Petaia, the youngest Wallaby to play at a World Cup, should the concept eventuate.
Former Wallaby and Rugby Union Players’ Association boss Justin Harrison described Petaia as an “outstanding talent” and anticipated RA would at least attempt to lure him home.
“A huge amount of resources that he’s given to Australian rugby. We’ve also put into him,” Harrison said on Stan Sports before the announcement on Wednesday.
“He’s benefited now from understanding a different type of ecosystem and the hierarchy of a different sporting infrastructure and probably realising that he’s in a good environment back here in Australia as well, and he’s got a great opportunity now to head into a home World Cup.
“There has to be timing and there has to be the right amount of trust and honesty and a plan put in front of him.”
*Japan Rugby League One outfit D-Rocks have confirmed former coach and Scotland international Greig Laidlaw’s successor.
Former Munster head coach Graham Rowntree will take the reins from Laidlaw ahead of the new JRLO season that kicks off in December.
Rowntree guided Munster to their first United Rugby Championship title in 12 years by defeating the Stormers in Cape Town in 2023, before a rocky start to the 2024/25 season saw him depart the Irish club through a mutual agreement.
He will be responsible for strengthening D-Rocks’ competitive capabilities while furthering their philosophy of being a “development-oriented club”.
Rowntree commented: “I am delighted to be allowed to lead such an ambitious and proud club.
“The Japanese league is becoming more and more competitive every year.
“I look forward to driving an environment where we can change and adapt to be more competitive.”
This change in structure is an important step towards realising our medium- to long-term goal of becoming a club that will compete for the championship in 2028.
In other transfer news:
- The Hurricanes are set to welcome former star Ngani Laumape to Wellington when they host Moana Pasifika in their opening match of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
