Wallabies flanker Liam Gill set to join exodus to Toulon
Queensland Reds forward feels he has limited opportunities with Australia national side, having been shut out by David Pocock, Michael Hooper and now Sean McMahon
Wallabies openside flanker Liam Gill is heading overseas to play in France at the end of the Super Rugby season in a blow for the ailing Queensland Reds and Australian rugby.
The highly rated 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Top 14 side Toulon, having been shut out of Australia’s back row for the last two years by David Pocock, Michael Hooper and latterly Sean McMahon.
He has international aspirations but plays in a position in which Australia have significant depth and he felt he would have limited Wallaby opportunities
A shining light for the Reds last year in an otherwise gloomy season, Gill would join Wallabies Quade Cooper, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and James O’Connor at the French side owned by comic book tycoon Mourad Boudjellal.
With Gill, who was capped 15 times for the Wallabies from 2012-13, missing out on a national contract and the salary top-up afforded to Wallabies players, the Reds admitted they were unable to compete at the negotiating table.
“Whilst we are disappointed to see him go, there are limitations to what we are currently able to do if players garner overseas interest and aren’t in the top band of Wallabies.”
