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Tom Staniforth playing for Castres

He’s an Aussie footy player with a wild mullet. And he was just called up by France

Tom Staniforth is a Canberra boy who is now a member of the French rugby squad. He could debut for Les Bleus against the Wallabies.

  • Iain Payten

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Heinz Lemoto playing in his first u21 game for Toulouse.

More than 30 rising stars have been poached by French academies. This is how Australian rugby is fighting back

They are the ‘lost boys’ of Australian rugby: two teams worth of talented youngsters who have been poached by French clubs, and many are the giant forwards so sorely need by the Wallabies.

  • Iain Payten
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has experienced pressure in Dublin as a coach with Leinster and Ireland.

‘I’ve never done anything like that before’: Inside the Wallabies’ brutal spring tour

The Wallabies went winless in Europe for the first time since 1958. But coach Joe Schmidt is motivated by revenge in July.

  • Jonathan Drennan
France celebrate Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s try in another missed opportunity for Australia.

The three (pointed) reasons why Wallabies botched chance to prosper in Paris

Up against a beatable French team, the Wallabies played better at Stade de France. But their decision-making under pressure was not good enough to finish the job.

  • Paul Cully
Australia’s Filipo Daugunu, left, is challenged by France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the rugby union Nations Series match between France and Australia in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Don’t believe the swipe: Wallabies have flaws but they are still a team to believe in

Yes, the Wallabies cost themselves a chance of victory in Paris. And yes, they finished up with a record of 5-10 for the year. But they have also shown the ability to beat anyone in the world.

  • Peter FitzSimons
France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey, center, runs with the ball during the rugby union Nations Series match between France and Australia in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

‘We are hurting’: France hand ill-disciplined Wallabies a record 10th defeat

The Wallabies were in the fight but shot themselves in the second half and crashed to another loss in a tour to forget.

  • Iain Payten and Jonathan Drennan
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Carter Gordon has been ruled of the France Test on Saturday

Carter Gordon ruled out of Wallabies’ clash with France

Carter Gordon has nursed a quad strain all spring tour and he was ruled out of the Wallabies’ last Test of the season in Paris, without a fit senior five-eighth left in the squad.

  • Iain Payten and Jonathan Drennan
Taniela Tupou will set up home in France, but will always be ready to play for the Wallabies

‘Everything I have is because of Australia’: Tupou on fear, faith and France

Taniela Tupou will start for the Wallabies in their final Test of the year against France, in his future home of Paris, ahead of a switch to Racing 92.

  • Jonathan Drennan
Abdel Benazzi during his playing days in 1997.

From fighting with FitzSimons to rugby peacemaker: The life of Abdel Benazzi

Abdel Benazzi announced himself to Wallabies fans by stomping on the head of Peter FitzSimons. His career since then has restored strong relationships with Australian rugby.

  • Jonathan Drennan
The Wallabies are desperate to avoid a Spring tour whitewash

‘We bloody care’: Wallabies desperate to avoid spring tour whitewash

Tom Hooper says the Wallabies aren’t down and out as they attempt to avoid a series whitewash when they face France on Saturday.

  • Jonathan Drennan