Len Ikitau has added further fuel to speculation surrounding a potential long-term return to Exeter Chiefs after revealing discussions are already taking place behind the scenes.
The Wallabies centre is currently spending the season at Sandy Park on a sabbatical deal from Rugby Australia, but his existing contract means he is due to return home following the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Despite that, Ikitau has openly admitted he would welcome the chance to return to Devon in the future after enjoying his time in English rugby.
Ikitau enjoying life at Sandy Park
The 27-year-old has made eight appearances for Exeter this season, scoring twice after recovering from shoulder surgery that sidelined him for four months earlier in the campaign.
Having now settled into life in the Premiership, Ikitau says both he and his family have embraced the experience.
“I’ve loved my time here. My family have enjoyed it,” he said.
“Hopefully, this isn’t the end.”
The Australia international confirmed his representatives have already begun exploring the possibility of another move to Exeter once his Rugby Australia commitments expire.
“I told my manager how much I’ve really enjoyed my time here and that, if there was any possibility of coming back, would he look into it,” Ikitau explained.
Future remains open beyond 2027
While a return to Exeter Chiefs appears firmly on the table, Len Ikitau admitted he will continue weighing up all available opportunities as he approaches the later stages of his career.
At 27, the outside centre acknowledged financial security for his family will inevitably become a key factor in any future decision-making.
“I’ve got to keep all my options open,” he said.
“I’m getting older and I’ve got family that I need to look after, and if that’s the best thing for me, then I’ll follow that path whichever way it takes me.”
French clubs are also expected to monitor his situation closely given his reputation as one of the Wallabies’ most consistent midfield performers in recent seasons.
Exeter facing growing midfield competition
Any future move back to Sandy Park may also depend on Exeter’s evolving midfield options.
Ikitau himself pointed to the competition developing within the Chiefs squad, including emerging youngsters and recent additions arriving at the club.
“Obviously, there are a lot of good centres coming through at the club,” he said.
Exeter have invested heavily in younger talent as they continue rebuilding following a difficult transition period after the departure of several title-winning veterans.
Even so, Ikitau’s experience, composure and defensive quality have quickly made him a popular figure within the squad.
Twickenham memories still fresh for Wallabies star
This weekend’s Premiership clash against Harlequins will also bring back fond memories for the Wallabies centre.
The last time Ikitau played at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, he produced a brilliant no-look pass to set up Max Jorgensen’s late match-winning try in Australia’s dramatic 42-37 victory over England in November 2024.
He joked that he may even revisit the moment with Exeter teammate Henry Slade before kick-off.
“We’re actually going up to Twickenham tomorrow, so I might go out to that pitch and walk through it with Henry Slade because he was defending when we scored,” Ikitau laughed.
Reunion with former coach adds extra subplot
Adding another layer to the fixture is the presence of Jason Gilmore in the Harlequins coaching setup.
Gilmore previously coached Ikitau with Australia Under-20s, and the Wallabies centre described him as one of the best coaches he has worked with.
“He’s still one of the best coaches that I’ve had in terms of knowledge and bringing the group together,” Ikitau said.
With his future still undecided beyond 2027, Ikitau’s strong finish to the season may only increase interest from clubs across both England and France.
For now, though, the Wallabies star appears fully focused on enjoying every moment of his Exeter experience while keeping the door open for a possible return down the line.
