Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies options boosted as ex-England international makes Super Rugby Pacific switch

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt could be able to call upon the services of a former England international later this season.

That is after hooker Nic Dolly signed a deal with Western Force, who he will join in July after his deal with Leicester Tigers ends.

The front-rower was born and raised in Sydney but was English-qualified through his mother. He then joined Sale Sharks’ academy in 2017 and that set him on his path to representing the Red Rose.

Dolly was called up by Eddie Jones for the end-of-year series in 2021 and made his debut against the Springboks.

Becoming re-eligible

That means the hooker will become eligible for the Wallabies once his three-year stand-down period is completed at the end of 2024.

“We’re rapt to complete a deal to bring Nic back home to Australia,” Force general manager of rugby Matt Hodgson said.

“Nic’s signing is further reinforcement of our commitment to squad depth in all positions and he brings international quality, for both club and country.

“He proved himself as a high-quality hooker at Leicester and we’re excited to offer him an opportunity to get back to playing regular games to boost his international aspirations.”

Joe Schmidt completes Wallabies coaching puzzle by bringing in ex-British and Irish Lion

Dolly failed to break through at Sale and left in 2020, but joined Leicester a year later and became a fixture of the team.

He impressed at the start of the 2021/22 campaign and that earned him a call-up to the England squad.

Despite making his England debut in November 2021, he did not appear in the subsequent Six Nations, but the hooker continued to impress for the Tigers.

However, a nasty knee injury sustained against Newcastle Falcons wiped out the entirety of the 2022/23 campaign.

The front-rower returned in 2023/24, featuring at the start of the season, but another injury issue has kept him on the sidelines.

Fresh start

The 24-year-old is therefore looking for a fresh start and will no doubt be hoping to force his way into Schmidt’s Wallabies squad ahead of the British and Irish Lions series in 2025.

“I’ve been over here (England) for seven years, and I always had a plan to go back home to play rugby,” Dolly said.

“The Force approached me and made me feel wanted, which was a huge attraction. The long-term plan and direction the (Force) is going is exciting, with Crono (Simon Cron) locked in for the next few years.

“I spoke to Harry Potter, in particular, along with Carts (Sam Carter) and in terms of culture and what the club is trying to do, it’s all been positive and something I believe I can add to, both on and off field.

“I’ve learned lots in the Premiership and I’m itching to get into it and back playing regular games.”

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