Latest news with #Tizzano
West Australian
23-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force stars Carlo Tizzano and Ben Donaldson proud to sign new two-year deals
A home Rugby World Cup and firm belief in what Western Force are building left Carlo Tizzano and Ben Donaldson with little doubt in their mind they were right where they wanted to be. The Force announced on Friday the Wallabies duo had both signed two-year deals extending their tenure out west and tying the pair to the club until the run-in to the 2027 World Cup. With Rugby Australia's Wallabies selection policy unlikely to change in regards to limited opportunities for overseas players, proud Perth local Tizzano and fly-half Donaldson were eager to stay put. Both Tizzano and Donaldson have starred for the Force this season, with the former having equalled a league record for most tries in a Super Rugby season by a forward and the latter sitting second in the league for points and goal-kicking accuracy. And both had sizable offers to play abroad, but the pair both saw brighter futures in Australia — and specifically, in Perth with the Force. 'Money's not the be-all and end-all in the world. There's definitely more value to stick around for a couple more years and grow the game,' Tizzano said. 'To be honest, if I did sign overseas — I had a really good think about this — it's me not backing myself to be the (best) openside (flanker) for the country and for Western Force, I'd kind of contradict myself and all my training and all my beliefs if I did that.' 'World Cups don't come around very often, let alone a home World Cup,' Donaldson said. 'To potentially, be selected in that, I've just got to keep grinding, keep working hard to put myself in the best position.' The pair join captain Jeremy Williams, back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny and hooker Nic Dolly in having signed for the Force through to 2027 at least. Donaldson was enthused by the core the Force had built, despite the side's season petering out and the club missing finals yet again after a strong start to the year. 'We've shown a glimpse of what we can do as a team, but it's been a disappointing year for us. We haven't made the finals, there's a lot of things I still want to achieve here in Perth and with Australian rugby. 'A lot of us aren't from here (Perth), and it's a real family club, so that's the main thing for me. We haven't played our best footy yet as well, so I'm really excited to see where we can take our rugby. 'There's been a lot of chop and change in the past couple of years with the squad, but from last year to this year, there are a few of us who have been here now. 'All those learnings hopefully will come into place over the next couple of years. If we can keep a core group of players here with the coaching staff, there'll be some good things coming up in 2027.' Tizzano is one of the rare few West Australians to have pulled on the green and gold jersey and said was inspired by past Force flankers such as Matt Hodgson, Richard Hardwick and Kane Koteka. Continuing to play in his home state was a big lure for the UWA product, but Tizzano said his teammates were just a big an influence. 'Another real good reason for me sticking around is I've got some really close mates in this team, the types of guys that will be the best man on my wedding type of thing,' he said. 'Those types of guys you want to share the field with at the end day when you're in the 80th minute defending your line.'
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Why star Force duo declined to cash in overseas
Wallabies duo Carlo Tizzano and Ben Donaldson say the lure of a home World Cup and achieving success with the Western Force convinced them to turn down the riches that lay overseas. A day after try-scoring machine Tizzano re-signed with the Force and Rugby Australia until the end of 2027, Donaldson also put pen to paper on the same length deal on Friday. Tizzano, who has scored a competition-high 12 tries this Super Rugby Pacific season, was being heavily chased by cashed-up Japanese clubs. Donaldson was also being lured by overseas outfits, but the duo said there was no hesitation in re-signing with the Force and Australian rugby. "It's one of those things when you know money's not the be all and end of the world," Tizzano said on Friday. "There's definitely more value to stick around for a couple more years and grow the game "There's a lot of things on the calendar. We've got the Lions, we've got the World Cup coming up. "And to be honest, if I did sign overseas, it's kind of me not backing myself to be the openside (flanker) for the country and for the Western Force. "I would kind of contradict myself and all my training and all my beliefs if I did do that. "So a big thing for me was sticking around and doing what I can to get that (Wallabies) jersey." Donaldson has shone across two seasons at the Force since moving west from NSW following the 2023 World Cup. He won the Force's MVP Nathan Sharpe medal in 2024, and has enjoyed another strong campaign this year, including scoring an after-the-siren game-winning try against Moana Pasifika in round one. Donaldson played nine of the Wallabies' 13 Tests last year, and has pulled on the gold jersey 16 times. With rival playmaker Noah Lolesio taking his career offshore, Donaldson looms as a key figure in the series against the British and Irish Lions, as well as the 2027 home World Cup. "It was an easy decision in the end and I'm really excited," Donaldson said of re-signing. "There were one or two overseas options, but at the end of the day it's a pretty special time to be in Australia. "World Cups don't come around very often, let alone a home World Cup. "So to potentially be selected in that ... that was definitely a big factor of me re-signing." Donaldson and Tizzano will be back in action on Saturday night when the Force host the Waratahs at HBF Park. Wallabies duo Carlo Tizzano and Ben Donaldson say the lure of a home World Cup and achieving success with the Western Force convinced them to turn down the riches that lay overseas. A day after try-scoring machine Tizzano re-signed with the Force and Rugby Australia until the end of 2027, Donaldson also put pen to paper on the same length deal on Friday. Tizzano, who has scored a competition-high 12 tries this Super Rugby Pacific season, was being heavily chased by cashed-up Japanese clubs. Donaldson was also being lured by overseas outfits, but the duo said there was no hesitation in re-signing with the Force and Australian rugby. "It's one of those things when you know money's not the be all and end of the world," Tizzano said on Friday. "There's definitely more value to stick around for a couple more years and grow the game "There's a lot of things on the calendar. We've got the Lions, we've got the World Cup coming up. "And to be honest, if I did sign overseas, it's kind of me not backing myself to be the openside (flanker) for the country and for the Western Force. "I would kind of contradict myself and all my training and all my beliefs if I did do that. "So a big thing for me was sticking around and doing what I can to get that (Wallabies) jersey." Donaldson has shone across two seasons at the Force since moving west from NSW following the 2023 World Cup. He won the Force's MVP Nathan Sharpe medal in 2024, and has enjoyed another strong campaign this year, including scoring an after-the-siren game-winning try against Moana Pasifika in round one. Donaldson played nine of the Wallabies' 13 Tests last year, and has pulled on the gold jersey 16 times. With rival playmaker Noah Lolesio taking his career offshore, Donaldson looms as a key figure in the series against the British and Irish Lions, as well as the 2027 home World Cup. "It was an easy decision in the end and I'm really excited," Donaldson said of re-signing. "There were one or two overseas options, but at the end of the day it's a pretty special time to be in Australia. "World Cups don't come around very often, let alone a home World Cup. "So to potentially be selected in that ... that was definitely a big factor of me re-signing." Donaldson and Tizzano will be back in action on Saturday night when the Force host the Waratahs at HBF Park. Wallabies duo Carlo Tizzano and Ben Donaldson say the lure of a home World Cup and achieving success with the Western Force convinced them to turn down the riches that lay overseas. A day after try-scoring machine Tizzano re-signed with the Force and Rugby Australia until the end of 2027, Donaldson also put pen to paper on the same length deal on Friday. Tizzano, who has scored a competition-high 12 tries this Super Rugby Pacific season, was being heavily chased by cashed-up Japanese clubs. Donaldson was also being lured by overseas outfits, but the duo said there was no hesitation in re-signing with the Force and Australian rugby. "It's one of those things when you know money's not the be all and end of the world," Tizzano said on Friday. "There's definitely more value to stick around for a couple more years and grow the game "There's a lot of things on the calendar. We've got the Lions, we've got the World Cup coming up. "And to be honest, if I did sign overseas, it's kind of me not backing myself to be the openside (flanker) for the country and for the Western Force. "I would kind of contradict myself and all my training and all my beliefs if I did do that. "So a big thing for me was sticking around and doing what I can to get that (Wallabies) jersey." Donaldson has shone across two seasons at the Force since moving west from NSW following the 2023 World Cup. He won the Force's MVP Nathan Sharpe medal in 2024, and has enjoyed another strong campaign this year, including scoring an after-the-siren game-winning try against Moana Pasifika in round one. Donaldson played nine of the Wallabies' 13 Tests last year, and has pulled on the gold jersey 16 times. With rival playmaker Noah Lolesio taking his career offshore, Donaldson looms as a key figure in the series against the British and Irish Lions, as well as the 2027 home World Cup. "It was an easy decision in the end and I'm really excited," Donaldson said of re-signing. "There were one or two overseas options, but at the end of the day it's a pretty special time to be in Australia. "World Cups don't come around very often, let alone a home World Cup. "So to potentially be selected in that ... that was definitely a big factor of me re-signing." Donaldson and Tizzano will be back in action on Saturday night when the Force host the Waratahs at HBF Park.
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Emerging Wallabies star says no to Japan riches
Try-scoring machine Carlo Tizzano has resisted the riches of Japan to sign with Rugby Australia and the Western Force until the end of 2027. Tizzano has been in hot demand in recent months on the back of his sensational Super Rugby Pacific form, with the back rower scoring 12 tries so far this season - three more than his closest rival. The 25-year-old, who has made five appearances for the Wallabies and is considered a rising star, was reportedly being heavily chased by cashed-up teams in Japan. But the chance to wear the Wallaby gold against the British and Irish Lions later this year and appear in a 2027 home Rugby World Cup convinced him to stay. "I'm really excited to be staying in Australian rugby for two more years, especially in Perth with the Force," Tizzano said in a statement. "I couldn't see myself playing for any other Super Rugby franchise. "To help contribute to this Force team earning more wins and reaching semi-finals is something I'm really excited for. "I'm looking forward to earning more opportunities with the Wallabies. "It's an exciting time in Australian rugby now with the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour and the home World Cup in 2027, which were two big factors." Force coach Simon Cron was excited to retain the services of Tizzano. "Seeing him continue to grow his game and develop has really enthused us and when Carlo became a Wallaby, it was a huge highlight for a number of people within the organisation," Cron said. The Wallabies are now blessed for depth in the back row, with the likes of Tizzano, the returning Pete Samu, Harry Wilson, Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight among the many options. Tizzano will return from a pectoral injury for the Force's clash with the Waratahs in Perth on Saturday night. The ninth-placed Force are already out of the finals race, while the eighth-placed Waratahs need to win their final two games and rely on other results to go their way in order to sneak in. Try-scoring machine Carlo Tizzano has resisted the riches of Japan to sign with Rugby Australia and the Western Force until the end of 2027. Tizzano has been in hot demand in recent months on the back of his sensational Super Rugby Pacific form, with the back rower scoring 12 tries so far this season - three more than his closest rival. The 25-year-old, who has made five appearances for the Wallabies and is considered a rising star, was reportedly being heavily chased by cashed-up teams in Japan. But the chance to wear the Wallaby gold against the British and Irish Lions later this year and appear in a 2027 home Rugby World Cup convinced him to stay. "I'm really excited to be staying in Australian rugby for two more years, especially in Perth with the Force," Tizzano said in a statement. "I couldn't see myself playing for any other Super Rugby franchise. "To help contribute to this Force team earning more wins and reaching semi-finals is something I'm really excited for. "I'm looking forward to earning more opportunities with the Wallabies. "It's an exciting time in Australian rugby now with the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour and the home World Cup in 2027, which were two big factors." Force coach Simon Cron was excited to retain the services of Tizzano. "Seeing him continue to grow his game and develop has really enthused us and when Carlo became a Wallaby, it was a huge highlight for a number of people within the organisation," Cron said. The Wallabies are now blessed for depth in the back row, with the likes of Tizzano, the returning Pete Samu, Harry Wilson, Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight among the many options. Tizzano will return from a pectoral injury for the Force's clash with the Waratahs in Perth on Saturday night. The ninth-placed Force are already out of the finals race, while the eighth-placed Waratahs need to win their final two games and rely on other results to go their way in order to sneak in. Try-scoring machine Carlo Tizzano has resisted the riches of Japan to sign with Rugby Australia and the Western Force until the end of 2027. Tizzano has been in hot demand in recent months on the back of his sensational Super Rugby Pacific form, with the back rower scoring 12 tries so far this season - three more than his closest rival. The 25-year-old, who has made five appearances for the Wallabies and is considered a rising star, was reportedly being heavily chased by cashed-up teams in Japan. But the chance to wear the Wallaby gold against the British and Irish Lions later this year and appear in a 2027 home Rugby World Cup convinced him to stay. "I'm really excited to be staying in Australian rugby for two more years, especially in Perth with the Force," Tizzano said in a statement. "I couldn't see myself playing for any other Super Rugby franchise. "To help contribute to this Force team earning more wins and reaching semi-finals is something I'm really excited for. "I'm looking forward to earning more opportunities with the Wallabies. "It's an exciting time in Australian rugby now with the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour and the home World Cup in 2027, which were two big factors." Force coach Simon Cron was excited to retain the services of Tizzano. "Seeing him continue to grow his game and develop has really enthused us and when Carlo became a Wallaby, it was a huge highlight for a number of people within the organisation," Cron said. The Wallabies are now blessed for depth in the back row, with the likes of Tizzano, the returning Pete Samu, Harry Wilson, Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight among the many options. Tizzano will return from a pectoral injury for the Force's clash with the Waratahs in Perth on Saturday night. The ninth-placed Force are already out of the finals race, while the eighth-placed Waratahs need to win their final two games and rely on other results to go their way in order to sneak in.
West Australian
22-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Emerging Wallabies star says no to Japan riches
Try-scoring machine Carlo Tizzano has resisted the riches of Japan to sign with Rugby Australia and the Western Force until the end of 2027. Tizzano has been in hot demand in recent months on the back of his sensational Super Rugby Pacific form, with the back rower scoring 12 tries so far this season - three more than his closest rival. The 25-year-old, who has made five appearances for the Wallabies and is considered a rising star, was reportedly being heavily chased by cashed-up teams in Japan. But the chance to wear the Wallaby gold against the British and Irish Lions later this year and appear in a 2027 home Rugby World Cup convinced him to stay. "I'm really excited to be staying in Australian rugby for two more years, especially in Perth with the Force," Tizzano said in a statement. "I couldn't see myself playing for any other Super Rugby franchise. "To help contribute to this Force team earning more wins and reaching semi-finals is something I'm really excited for. "I'm looking forward to earning more opportunities with the Wallabies. "It's an exciting time in Australian rugby now with the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour and the home World Cup in 2027, which were two big factors." Force coach Simon Cron was excited to retain the services of Tizzano. "Seeing him continue to grow his game and develop has really enthused us and when Carlo became a Wallaby, it was a huge highlight for a number of people within the organisation," Cron said. The Wallabies are now blessed for depth in the back row, with the likes of Tizzano, the returning Pete Samu, Harry Wilson, Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight among the many options. Tizzano will return from a pectoral injury for the Force's clash with the Waratahs in Perth on Saturday night. The ninth-placed Force are already out of the finals race, while the eighth-placed Waratahs need to win their final two games and rely on other results to go their way in order to sneak in.
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Emerging Wallabies star says no to Japan riches
Try-scoring machine Carlo Tizzano has resisted the riches of Japan to sign with Rugby Australia and the Western Force until the end of 2027. Tizzano has been in hot demand in recent months on the back of his sensational Super Rugby Pacific form, with the back rower scoring 12 tries so far this season - three more than his closest rival. The 25-year-old, who has made five appearances for the Wallabies and is considered a rising star, was reportedly being heavily chased by cashed-up teams in Japan. But the chance to wear the Wallaby gold against the British and Irish Lions later this year and appear in a 2027 home Rugby World Cup convinced him to stay. "I'm really excited to be staying in Australian rugby for two more years, especially in Perth with the Force," Tizzano said in a statement. "I couldn't see myself playing for any other Super Rugby franchise. "To help contribute to this Force team earning more wins and reaching semi-finals is something I'm really excited for. "I'm looking forward to earning more opportunities with the Wallabies. "It's an exciting time in Australian rugby now with the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour and the home World Cup in 2027, which were two big factors." Force coach Simon Cron was excited to retain the services of Tizzano. "Seeing him continue to grow his game and develop has really enthused us and when Carlo became a Wallaby, it was a huge highlight for a number of people within the organisation," Cron said. The Wallabies are now blessed for depth in the back row, with the likes of Tizzano, the returning Pete Samu, Harry Wilson, Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight among the many options. Tizzano will return from a pectoral injury for the Force's clash with the Waratahs in Perth on Saturday night. The ninth-placed Force are already out of the finals race, while the eighth-placed Waratahs need to win their final two games and rely on other results to go their way in order to sneak in.
