Ben Donaldson re-signs with Australian Rugby

Rugby Australia and the Western Force are excited to announce Ben Donaldson has inked a new contract, re-committing to Australian Rugby until the end of 2027.

A Clovelly Eagles junior, Donaldson represented Australia at Schools, U20s and ‘A’ levels, before debuting for the Wallabies against Italy in 2022 and went on to feature in all four games at the 2023 World Cup in France.

He played nine of the Wallabies 13 Tests last year, and has pulled on the gold jersey a total of 16 times so far in his international career.

After making his Super Rugby Pacific debut with the NSW Waratahs in 2020, Donaldson moved to the Force following the 2023 World Cup, making an immediate impact, winning the club’s 2024 Nathan Sharpe medal for player of the season.

Donaldson’s kicking game and ability to beat defenders has been a major feature in his 25 matches so far for the Force, memorably scoring an after-the-siren game-winning solo try in Round 1 this season against Moana Pasifika.

Donaldson’s re-signing follows a significant number of key Wallabies who have re-committed to Australian Rugby this year until at least the home Rugby World Cup in 2027.

Wallaby number 962 and Western Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson said: “I’m extremely excited to re-commit to the Western Force and Australian Rugby.

“I’ve been here two years now and loved my time in WA. We’ve got a great group of boys at the Force with the core having signed on for several more years which is exciting about where we can go as a group.

“I’m delighted to be staying in Australian rugby with the Lions Tour later year as well as a Bledisloe Cup here in Perth. There’s obviously also the lure of the home 2027 World Cup, which is extremely motivating.

“I’ve been part of the Wallabies squad in recent times and it’s a strong group with a good coaching unit, so hopefully I continue to be part of that moving forward with those big games and events to come.”

Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne said: “Ben is a good young player and a strong example of the Australian Rugby pathways system at work.

“He’s earned good experience at both Super Rugby Pacific and Test level in recent years and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to work hard and develop his game.”

Western Force Head Coach Simon Cron said: “It’s great to have Dono stay on. He’s a big part of our squad, big part of our team.

“He’s a leader in our group and a core member of driving the Western Force forward.

“I know he’s disappointed, like I am, about some of the close games this year, but if we can keep the core playing group together, it’s going to hold us in great stead moving forward.

“Most importantly he’s an amazing human who continues to thrive in WA and we’re looking forward to helping him continue his journey both with us and the Wallabies.”

Position: Flyhalf/fullback

Height: 184cm

Weight: 86kg

Born: 4 April 1999

Place of birth: Sydney, NSW

Test debut: 2022 v Italy, Firenze

Wallaby number: 962

Test caps: 16

Super Rugby debut: 2020 v Western Force in Sydney (playing for the NSW Waratahs)

Super Rugby caps: 25 (Western Force); 38 (NSW Waratahs)

First Rugby Club: Clovelly Eagles