The last 12 months have been one of the busiest in the life of Len Ikitau, the centre about to welcome his second child, moving from Australia to the Exeter Chiefs, and winning the 2025 John Eales Medal.
Coupled with massive wins over England, the British & Irish Lions and South Africa, the star has now turned his attention to finishing the 2025 year in style for the Wallabies, and his return has come when the national side needs him most.
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The Wallabies have the pressure on them in Dublin after last weekend’s shock loss to Italy, with the reaction sending shockwaves through the Australian fanbase.
Judging by Ikitau, the men in gold are set to respond with venom against Ireland.
“I think our session today was probably one of the best sessions I've been a part of throughout this year,” the centre told reporters on Tuesday night.
“I think everyone's just keen to get back out there, another opportunity for us to play against an awesome side like Ireland. They're a tough team, and especially at home in front of their crowd.
“After any loss, it's pretty tough to review games, but I think for us mentally and physically we just wanted to get everything right… Just in terms of intent, we have a style, the way we want to play, and I think everyone was, I guess, making sure that we played the way we want to.
“It does help having 'Rabs' [James O’Connor] back into the squad, you know, older head who's very experienced, steering the boys around and helping Tane [Edmed] along the way, which has been good. In terms of intent and physicality, you know, pretty sharp today.”
The centre provided clarification on the decision to miss the game against Italy and confirmed that not only will he be up for selection this weekend, but that he’ll be hungry to reverse the Wallabies’ fortunes.
“With combinations, I think Hunter and Joseph were going well, and obviously, it was my first week back in so I didn't think Joe wanted me to play,” Ikitau explained. “But I think just the week of training and training this week, I should be up for selection.
“When you're out of the squad, you miss everything. You miss the boys and the coaching staff.
“But when you come in, you don't take that for granted. And for me, I just wanted to come in, get around the boys and then really prep the boys well. Obviously, we didn't get the results the last couple of weeks, but for us, it's looking forward.”
It’s an approach that also extends to Ikitau’s personal growth as a player, with the 48-capped Wallaby acknowledging the year has come with ups and downs - but that the camaraderie with the players and the new setting in England has made it an enjoyable season.
“I think there's been a lot of ups and downs,” Ikitau said.
“I think at the start of the year, building on what we did last year on Spring Tour. I think that Spring Tour was a change for us as a team. Throughout the year, there's just been a lot of ups and downs. We've lost a lot of players.
“Some young players have come through. But for me, I think I've really enjoyed this year. I've enjoyed playing with the boys.
“Obviously, I'm at Exeter now. I'm enjoying that new chapter, very different to back home, but I think change is different for me.
“I'm really enjoying it, enjoying my time.”
