Izack Rodda: Australia lock joins Lyon on one-year deal

Image: Izack Rodda will be ineligible for Australia during his time with Lyon

Australia lock Izack Rodda has signed a one-year deal with Lyon, less than a month after leaving the Queensland Reds amid a dispute over pay cuts.

Rodda, who has 25 caps for Australia, was one of three players to have his Reds contract terminated last month.

The 23-year-old, along with Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas, were the only three Australian-based Super Rugby players to reject the enforced pay cuts - which averaged around 60 per cent - negotiated by Rugby Australia and the players' union because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Rodda was a key member of Australia's 2019 World Cup squad, but his international career will be put on hold during his time in France.

Image: Mathieu Bastareaud's return to Lyon from Rugby United New York was confirmed earlier this year

To be selected for the Wallabies while playing abroad, a player must have at least seven years as a professional in Australia under their belt, as well as at least 60 international caps.

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As well as adding Rodda to their squad for the 2020/21 Top14 season - for which the start date has yet to be announced - Lyon have also signed No 8 Gillian Galan from Toulouse.

In addition, Lyon have also officially confirmed the arrivals of Colby Fainga'a from Connacht and Joe Taufete'e from Worcester, with both players signing two-year deals.

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Mathieu Bastareaud has also returned to Lyon on a two-year deal following a short spell with Rugby United New York.

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