The rugby world has been buzzing with news of Nic Dolly, the 24-year-old England international, making the decision to leave Leicester Tigers at the end of the season and signing with the Western Force. What’s even more intriguing is that Dolly will now be eligible to play for the Wallabies this year.
Dolly’s availability for selection in November comes after earning his only England cap during the 2021 autumn Tests against South Africa. The Western Force made the official announcement of his signing, with the team’s general manager, Matt Hodgson, expressing his excitement about bringing Nic back home to Australia.
Hailing from Sydney, Dolly moved to England as a teenager to pursue his rugby career, ultimately landing at Leicester after playing for Sale’s Under-18s and stints in the Championship with Rotherham, Jersey, and Coventry. His eligibility to play for England stemmed from his ancestry, with his mother’s heritage granting him the opportunity.
A significant setback for Dolly was a major knee injury that sidelined him for 11 months, keeping him from featuring in Leicester’s Premiership final win over Saracens in 2022. Despite the setback, he continued to show promise, receiving a call-up to an England training squad and being an unused replacement in the 2022 Six Nations finale against France.
Adding to the intrigue, Dolly will be able to switch countries for international play due to having completed a three-year standdown period between internationals and meeting the eligibility criteria based on his ancestry. This paves the way for his potential inclusion in the Wallabies squad.
In a related development, Dolly’s Leicester team-mate, Guy Porter, has also been in talks for a move to Australia following his release by Leicester. However, while Porter will be joining Dolly at the Western Force, he will not be eligible to play for the Wallabies due to the eligibility rules.
The last of his five England caps came during a Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture against Wales last summer, highlighting the valuable experience and skill set he brings to the table. With the potential addition of Porter to the Western Force, the team stands to benefit from the collective talent and expertise of these players.
In the dynamic world of rugby, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting one with the prospect of witnessing Dolly’s performance for the Western Force and his potential inclusion in the Wallabies squad. The impact of these developments could shape the landscape of international rugby, offering fans a compelling narrative to follow.
As we eagerly await the unfolding of events in the world of rugby, the addition of players like Nic Dolly and Guy Porter to the Western Force creates an air of anticipation, setting the stage for an intriguing chapter in the sport’s history.