‘I’d never forgive myself’: Why Wallabies star rejected overseas interest

1 month ago 5

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Wallabies enforcer Josh Canham has rejected interest from European juggernauts to remain in Australia, as he casts his gaze towards a Rugby World Cup berth on home soil.

Already locked in for the 2026 season, he inked a one-year contract extension with the Queensland Reds, after earning his first starting chance for Australia against Japan in October.

That gave the 24-year-old hope of a consistent run in the gold jumper, which was enough to turn down interest from French rugby.

Josh Canham in action for the Queensland Reds.

Canham played his first season for the Reds last year after the downfall of the Melbourne Rebels, and led his new club for lineout wins and offloads while finishing second for total tackles only behind new skipper Fraser McReight.

While he has managed only two appearances for Australia, the 202cm forward will get one more campaign to impress under Queensland coach Les Kiss before the latter takes the reins for the Wallabies at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Canham said the opportunities to don the national colours – spearheaded by the World Cup next year – proved the most enticing carrot to reject French offers.

“If I left too early with all there is to play for in Australia, I’d never forgive myself,” he said.

“I was very proud to pull on the gold jersey and run out as a starter for the first time in Tokyo. I felt I left a lot out there in terms of how much more I can offer because I had to come off early [after a head knock].

“That chance has certainly made me hungry to prove myself and get into that position again. Being in that Wallabies environment every day on tour enabled me to work on individual skills and understand the ins and outs of how the Wallabies go about things.

“I’m definitely going to be pushing for more consistent opportunities. It’s a step in the right direction, but you want to keep pushing because it’s not just about making squads.”

More to come