Rugby Australia has built the frame of the Wallabies, with World Cup forwards Nick Frost and Matt Faessler the latest to re-sign with the governing body through to the 2027 World Cup.
After signing fellow Wallabies second-rowers Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in recent weeks, Frost is the latest tall-timber to commit to Australia rugby and his retention completes the trio that regularly packed down under Joe Schmidt in 2024.
The retention ensures that the Wallabies will have a base to build from, with any international side worth their salt having a series of big men who can lock down a scrum and command a lineout.
It’s also a change of thinking from a governing body lens perspective, with Rugby Australia previously prioritising fancy backs instead of the bread and butter of any team.
Wallabies lock Nick Frost has re-signed with Australian rugby through to the home 2027 World Cup. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Frost, 25, has been with the Brumbies since 2019 and played 67 times for the club. He made his Test debut against England in 2022 and has played 25 times for the Wallabies.
“I’m really pleased to secure my long-term future with the ACT Brumbies and Australian rugby,” said Frost in a statement.
“I feel I have a lot more growth as a player and a person and here with the Brumbies is the best place for me to do that.
“As a kid growing up I always dreamed to represent the Wallabies and with a couple of really key milestones coming up in Australian Rugby and I’ll be doing everything I can to be part of those in a gold jersey.”
Rugby Australia Director of High-Performance Peter Horne added: “Nick’s a great athlete who has performed well consistently for both the Brumbies and the Wallabies over a number of years, so to have him re-commit is a positive for Australian rugby.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to watch him develop as a player and a person and to support him to achieve his goals on and off the field.”
Frost’s retention is also an important bit of business for the Brumbies, with veteran tight-five forwards James Slipper and Cadeyrn Neville in the twilight of their careers and versatile heavy forward Tom Hooper headed to Exeter.
Star centre Len Ikitau is also set to depart the Super Rugby franchise for at least one season for the English club.
Frost and rising forward Lachie Shaw will, however, ensure the Brumbies have a second-row pairing that will keep them in the hunt against most opposition.
Adding to the signing is the news Faessler, the reliable lineout thrower, who came from the clouds in 2023 to be selected by Eddie Jones for the 2023 World Cup after spending time with Randwick in the Shute Shield competition, has also committed to Australian rugby.
Regular Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler has re-signed with Australian rugby. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Faessler, who debuted against the All Blacks in the Wallabies’ heartbreaking loss in Dunedin two years ago, emerged as one Schmidt’s most reliable forwards last year and has now earned 14 caps.
“I’m stoked to have my future secured for the next two years here at the Reds and with Australian Rugby,” the clever 26-year-old rake said.
“I love representing my state and feel we’re building something special here at Ballymore that I want to continue to contribute to and be a part of.
“There’s also some massive events coming up for the Wallabies with this year’s Lions Series and home World Cup that I’d certainly love to be involved in but I know my performances here for Queensland are key to that.”
Horne said Faessler had a number of things to look forward to after recommitting.
“We’re delighted that Matt has recommitted to the Reds and Australian Rugby.”
“A robust competitor, he adds to the group of players readying themselves for the exciting opportunities in the next few years with the Lions Tour, Nations Cup and, at the pinnacle of the game, the Rugby World Cup here in Australia in 2027.”
Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss added: “Matt has consistently proven himself one of the toughest and most durable hookers in the country. From a Queensland and Australian perspective, his commitment for another two years is a real positive.
“I know there will be plenty of his forward teammates who agree because he’s very competitive and brings out the best in them too.”
